Ghana Hajj Agents, Pilgrims Affairs Office Intensifies Hajj Preparations with Seminar for Prospective Pilgrims
The Ghana Hajj Agents Association, in collaboration with the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, has organised a comprehensive seminar to educate prospective pilgrims on the rites and requirements of the Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The seminar, which forms part of the orientation programme, aimed to take participants through the key rituals of Hajj while highlighting essential guidelines to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience. Clerics at the event demonstrated practical aspects of the pilgrimage, including how to perform Tawaf, as well as the rites of Safa and Marwa, among others.
The sessions provided detailed education on all aspects of the pilgrimage, including flight arrangements, accommodation, transportation, feeding, and religious guidance (Da’wah).
Prospective pilgrims were further cautioned against attempting to smuggle prohibited items into Saudi Arabia, with officials stressing strict adherence to international travel regulations.
In addition, officials from Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) provid practical training to participants on how to effectively use mobile services while in Saudi Arabia, including making calls, using mobile money, and accessing other essential services.
On his part, the Head of Da’wah of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Sheikh Imam Abdul Malik Abdul Rahman Maiga, called on prospective pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to prioritise proper religious education and discipline to ensure a successful and accepted pilgrimage.
According to him, performing Hajj without adequate knowledge undermines the essence of the sacred journey, adding that proper guidance and education are critical in shaping pilgrims to perform the rites correctly.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Hon. Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, outlined key issues relating to Hajj, including the allocation of additional Hajj slots by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the intervention of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chairman revealed that the additional slots were fewer than the number of people who wished to participate in this year’s Hajj. He urged those who were unable to secure slots to remain hopeful for future opportunities and congratulated those who had successfully secured their visas.
He also explained the need for prospective pilgrims to undergo the mandatory Hajj medical screening, which will help them know their health status and prevent the transmission or contraction of communicable diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He noted that health and safety feature prominently in the preparations, hence the conduct of mandatory health screening exercises at the Hajj Village.
Hon. Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko Ibrahim used the opportunity to announce that payments for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage will officially open in July 2026.
Source: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha
