President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that Hajj fares could fall below GHC50,000 in 2026 if the Ghanaian Cedi continues its steady appreciation against the US dollar.
Speaking during his Thank You Tour at the College of Health in Kintampo, Bono East Region, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, President Mahama explained that the exchange rate plays a major role in determining the cost of the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
“At the time we started paying for the Hajj, the Cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the fare we came up with for the $4,000 cost to do the Hajj came to GHC 62,000,” he explained.
“Next year, if you do a calculation with where the Cedi is currently—GHC 10.5—it means the fare for Hajj may go below GHC 50,000.”
This announcement offers hope to prospective pilgrims who have long expressed concern over the rising cost of performing Hajj.
It also aligns with a key campaign promise made by President Mahama and his administration to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Ghana’s Muslim community.
Earlier this year, the government fulfilled its pledge by reducing the 2025 Hajj fare from GHC75,000 to GHC62,000.
Chairman of the Interim Hajj Task Force and MP for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, confirmed the reduction following meetings with Saudi authorities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Hajj accessible and easing the financial burden on pilgrims.
Despite the positive developments, authorities disclosed that the current administration inherited an outstanding Hajj debt of over $5.4 million, which they are working to settle.
If the Cedi’s stability continues, Ghanaian Muslims could look forward to the lowest Hajj fares in recent years in 2026, as assured by the President.
