2025 Hajj: seven Ghanaian pilgrims dead – Ghana Hajj Board

Seven Ghanaian pilgrims have been confirmed dead by the Ghana Hajj Board during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The deceased include five women and two men, though the identities of the deceased have not been made public.

Over 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims joined more than two million Muslims from around the world in performing the 2025 Hajj.

The pilgrimage, though spiritually fulfilling, is physically demanding and often conducted in harsh weather conditions.

This year, temperatures in Mecca soared above 48°C, posing serious health risks—especially for the elderly and those with medical conditions.

Despite these challenges, the 2025 Hajj recorded fewer Ghanaian fatalities than in previous years.

In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims died, compared to this year’s seven—a reduction of nearly 59%.

The Board has informed the affected families and extended heartfelt condolences.

Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, described the incident as deeply unfortunate during an interview with TV3 on Saturday, June 7.

He further noted that Hajj officials would visit the families in Ghana to offer support and comfort in the coming days.

In keeping with Islamic tradition, the deceased pilgrims were buried in Saudi Arabia—a customary practice for Muslims who die while undertaking the sacred journey.

“Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come. We express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case,” he said.

Alhaji Dauda attributed the decline in deaths to improved safety and health protocols, including mandatory pre-departure medical screenings, the presence of Ghanaian medical teams in Mecca, and enhanced emergency response systems.

Additional measures such as hydration centers and regular health advisories also contributed to safeguarding pilgrims.

The Hajj Board reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improve the welfare and safety of Ghanaian pilgrims by aligning with international best practices in managing mass religious events under extreme conditions.