Mahama to introduce Islamic banking instruments, reduce Hajj fares

In order to address the exorbitant expenses of the yearly Hajj trip for Muslims in Ghana, President John Mahama has announced the creation of a five-member task committee.

The goal of the task force, which is headed by Collins Dauda, the Asutifi South Member of Parliament, is to find ways to lower the cost of the pilgrimage.

Mr. Mahama announced at a National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving ceremony on Friday, January 10 at the National Mosque in Kanda in Accra that the task force will go to Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 13 to attend the yearly Hajj conference.

“One of their primary responsibilities is to negotiate arrangements that will drastically reduce Hajj fares. This will enable more Muslims who wish to perform the pilgrimage to fulfill this religious obligation,” he stated.

In keeping with a campaign pledge to raise awareness of Islamic holidays in Ghana, he also revealed plans to add a second holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

“As part of our promises, we assured the Muslim community of adding one more holiday to the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Once Parliament resumes, we will amend the Holidays Act to officially recognise an additional day for the Sallah festivities,” Mr Mahama said.