The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims—five women and two men—during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The identities of the deceased have not been made public, but their families have been informed and offered condolences by the Board.
Speaking to TV3 on June 7, Hajj Board Chairman Alhaji Collins Dauda described the deaths as unfortunate but acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences during large-scale pilgrimages.
“Deaths are painful, but they happen when the time comes,” he said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and will visit them soon to offer support.”
In line with Islamic customs, all seven pilgrims were buried in Saudi Arabia.
More than 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims participated in the Hajj this year, joining over two million Muslims worldwide. The pilgrimage involves strenuous rituals often performed in extreme heat, with temperatures in Mecca exceeding 48°C. Such conditions pose serious risks, especially for the elderly and those with health conditions.
Despite the harsh weather, the death toll significantly dropped from 17 deaths in 2024 to seven in 2025—a 59% reduction.
Alhaji Dauda credited this improvement to enhanced health and safety protocols, including:
• Pre-departure medical screenings
• Deployment of Ghanaian medical teams
• Increased hydration points
• Emergency response systems
• Heat protection and public health awareness efforts
He emphasized the Board’s commitment to continual improvement in safeguarding the health and safety of Ghanaian pilgrims.
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