The 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama has pledged to reduce Hajj fees when elected on December 7.
As a former President, Mr Mahama said Hajj fees during his tenure were very affordable for pilgrims.
However, the incumbent government has increased it significantly, burdening Muslims who desire to travel to the Holy Land.
He said this while addressing chiefs and people of Gambaga-Nalerigu as part of his campaign tour of the North East region.
Residents of these areas who are predominantly Muslims are expecting life changing policies and projects from the NDC led by John Mahama; and, one of such is the cost of Hajj fees.
Mr. Mahama said his erstwhile government invested in projects and polices which saw a stable and affordable Hajj pilgrimage, motivating many to embark on the journey.
“We worked on the Tamale airport so that if our people are travelling to Hajj, they don’t have to go all the way to Accra to be able to fly to the Holy land,” he said.
According to him, the current cost of the Hajj Pilgrimage is too expensive, describing the ruling regime of being insensitive towards those expected to benefit from it.
“As President, I witnessed the first flight from Tamale Airport that went straight to Medina and carried our pilgrims to Mecca. We were also able to keep the price very low.
“The cost was GH₵11,900 now you don’t have to pay less than GH₵75,000 before you are able to perform the pilgrimage,” he said.
He has promised that a future NDC will reverse the current cost of Hajj and improve the livelihoods of the people.
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