Non-inclusion of women on Hajj Boad an error – Board Spokesperson

The newly constituted National Hajj Board has said the exclusion of women from the board was not deliberately done.

Head of Communications for the Board, Alhaji A.R Gomda, admits the formation of an all male team was an error and has assured that the right thing will be done soon after the Board is inaugurated.

Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheik I. C. Quaye has been appointed by the President, Nana Akufo-Addo to chair the Hajj Board. The former MP for Ayawaso Central will be assisted by ten (10) members to ensure that the numerous challenges associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca are resolved to ensure a hustle free travel.

The ten (10) members are: Abdul Malik Adams Gariba, Mr. Farouk Hamza, Sheikh Amin Bonsu, Alhaji Inusa Amadu and Kamal-Deen Abdulai.

The rest are Ismaela Ibrahim, Mohammadu Osmanu Alidu, Mohammed Osumanu Yunusah, Mr. Braimah Adams, and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed.

A statement from the presidency dated February 10, 2017 and signed by the Ag Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin, said the President has also appointed a three-member team to head the medical, communicatuins and I.T units of the Hajj Board.

They are; Dr. Seidu Zakaria – Head, Medical, Abdulai Rahman Alhassan Gomda – Head, Communications, and Dr. Sani Abduai – Head, I.T.

But a section of Muslim women have criticized the all male Board, saying there must be female representation in order to articulate their views and concerns on issues relating to Hajj.

Commenting on the matter, Alhaji A.R Gomda noted that the Board has since taken the criticism in good faith.

“You can call this a human error, because President Akufo Addo and Vice President Alhaji Dr Bawumia recognize the role of women in every human endeavour and that has reflected into several women being appointed to key positions in the Akufo Addo government. This error has already occured, infact once the Board is inaugurated, I’m sure this issue will be discussed at our first meeting, I’m about meeting the Board Chairman to draw his attention to this error which must be corrected. Even if it means that we engaging with the aggrieved women, that will be done so we don’t step on toes. It was certainly not a deliberate action…you disrespect women at your own peril.”