Second Ghanaian pilgrim dies in Mecca

Alhaji Yakubu Zakari, 65, a Ghanaian Muslim who made the trip for this year’s Hajj, has died.

This was confirmed in a statement signed and released by Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Deputy Communications Director of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG).

Mr Amin indicated that the PAOG was deeply saddened over “the passing of Alhaji Yakubu Zakari, who hails from the Volta Region and whose death occurred this afternoon [on Saturday September 24] in Makkah".

The statement pointed out that “he died of cardiogenic shock and he is currently being processed for burial just after Asr prayers”.

Mr Lamptey pointed out that he got information from the head of Ghana's medical team under PAOG, Dr Abdul Samad Suleman, that the deceased was rushed to the Ghana clinic in the morning but died within five minutes of arrival.

His agent, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim of Albalad Travel and Tours, who has been part of the process together with officials of PAOG, has duly informed his relatives immediately he passed away, the statement further indicated.

The death of Alhaji Zakari makes it two Ghanaian casualties at this year’s holy journey. A week ago, another pilgrim named Alhaji Alhassan Kuku, 70, also lost his life.

PAOG said on behalf of the good people of Ghana and all stakeholders, they extend their condolences to the bereaved family and all who have been affected by this death.

“We mourn and empathise with the family during this moment of grief and loss. May Allah grant him His favours with the highest Paradise (Jannat Firdaws), Ameen,” the statement concluded.