President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved the Hajj Taskforce led by senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Collins Dauda a
President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved the Hajj Taskforce led by senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Collins Dauda and Alhaji ABA Fuseini, following widespread criticism of what has been described as the worst-organized Hajj pilgrimage in the history of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
The decision comes on the back of numerous complaints from pilgrims, religious leaders, and observers who lamented the poor planning and execution of this year’s holy pilgrimage.
The problems, according to insiders, spanned across key areas such as accommodation, transportation, feeding, and general welfare, leaving many Ghanaian Muslims frustrated during their spiritual journey to Mecca.
Pilgrim Accounts And Public Outcry
One of the strongest voices calling for the dissolution of the taskforce, the owner of InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, who personally experienced the challenges on the ground in Mecca.
He revealed that he conducted a survey among Ghanaian pilgrims during the Hajj, which overwhelmingly indicated dissatisfaction with the taskforce’s work.
His call resonated with many in the Muslim community who felt let down by the authorities responsible for managing the sacred journey.
The Scandal Of the ‘Fake Death Certificate’
The controversy deepened when reports emerged involving Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who sponsored several pilgrims this year.
A major scandal erupted after the return of a Ghanaian woman who had supposedly been declared dead during the pilgrimage.
A death certificate had been issued in her name, and her luggage was flown back to Ghana, only for her to reappear alive a week after her ‘funeral’.
The incident shocked the Ghanaian Muslim community and raised serious questions about accountability and transparency within the Hajj Taskforce.
A Legacy Of Poor Performance
Observers note that the just-ended Hajj will go down as one of the most poorly managed pilgrimages under Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
The chaos surrounding accommodation arrangements, substandard transport services, and inadequate food provision painted a picture of disorganization that many said was avoidable.
Critics argue that the debacle not only embarrassed Ghana internationally but also tainted the spiritual experience of many first-time pilgrims.
New Leadership At Pilgrims Affairs Office
Following the dissolution, President Mahama has appointed Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko, a former Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubore and ex-Chairman of the Hajj Board, to head the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.
Alhaji Tanko is widely seen as a competent and experienced figure who previously steered Hajj operations successfully.
His reappointment has been welcomed by sections of the Muslim community, who are hopeful for significant improvements.
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