Logistics, inflation, and taxes driving up Hajj costs

The Ghana Hajj Board Secretariat has attributed the increase in this year’s hajj cost to a variety of factors. The cost of hajj has seen a significant rise, from GH¢11,900 in 2015 to GH¢75,000 currently.

John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to lower the cost of Hajj if he wins the 2024 general elections.

He pointed out that the current Hajj fare of GH¢75,000 is prohibitive for many ordinary Muslims wishing to make their pilgrimage to Mecca. He made this pledge during the Eid prayers with the Ahlussuna Wal-Jamah Muslim group at the State House in Accra on June 15, 2024.

Alhaji Farouk Hamza, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Hajj Board, explained that the cost of hajj has risen globally due to various factors including logistical issues, inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in Saudi Arabia’s tax policies.

He noted that the cost now includes feeding for the duration of the pilgrims’ stay in Mecca, which was not the case before.

This period can be close to 30 days. He also mentioned that transportation arrangements have changed since the time of President John Mahama.

He emphasised that the exchange rate is one of the contributing factors to the increase in cost.

“Yes it has gone up from GH¢11,900 to GH¢75,000 but what is the difference? Until recently the Ghanaian pilgrims who went to perform the hajj did not have the cost build-up of feeding throughout their stay in Mecca.

“So it was just the board or committee getting you to Mecca and getting you to the holy site. But beyond that during your stay in Madina, during your stay in Madina, and we talking about a period of close to 30 days.

“Even transportation arrangements that were done there is quite different since the time of president John Mahama…The bottom line is that the dollar has not been the same…The exchange rate is a part of it. It is not the only thing, It is part of the factors,” he stated.

Source: Citi News