President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration of the newly constituted Hajj Board, chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, set the tone for a renewed push toward a fully digitised, transparent and predictable Hajj management system, according to the material provided.
The President underscored the need for early and disciplined planning, urging the new board to uphold professionalism throughout the entire Hajj cycle. He stressed the importance of accountability in handling the growing number of Ghanaian applicants, emphasising that digitisation must anchor the system’s future.
“The Hajj board must operate under clear guidelines, with periodic reporting to the Office of the Chief of Staff,” he said, charging them to ensure that the Hajj process is guided by clear rules and standards.
President Mahama made it clear that a modern Hajj operation must embrace both transparency and data accuracy, especially as demand rises yearly, centering his strongest directive on the technology.
“I encourage this Board to adopt digital tools to streamline registration, communication, and feedback processes.” the President said, projecting a fully digital operation capable of managing large applicant numbers without congestion or fraud.
His call for e-registration, SMS notifications, and an integrated mobile application placed digital efficiency at the heart of Ghana’s Hajj vision.
“Let us move towards e-registration of pilgrims, SMS notifications to their mobile phones, and a dedicated Hajj mobile application – an app with a portal that allows pilgrims to register, check their status, make payments, and access travel information”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President insisted that systems must be designed to avoid manipulation and enhance transparency. He emphasised that digitisation will improve record-keeping, streamline communication, and reduce pressures that often characterise the registration and vetting process.
He further highlighted the importance of communication as a pillar of the process, noting that predictable timelines and clear information will significantly reduce anxiety among applicants. He stressed that with digitisation, the board will be able to manage data more effectively and prevent bottlenecks.
Safety, Welfare and Professionalism
The President reminded the Board that safety and welfare remain non-negotiable. With an increasing number of elderly and first-time pilgrims, he stressed coordinated health care, orderly movement, and reliability of logistics.
President Mahama directed that each Hajj season should end with a comprehensive report detailing expenditures, safety outcomes and logistical performance.
This requirement, he noted, will strengthen institutional memory and ensure that weaknesses identified in previous years are not repeated. “The Ghana Hajj Board must never be a source of exploitation or profiteering,” the President added, extending his charge to ensure that the service is dignified and free from extortion.
His remarks underscored the importance of efficiency backed by integrity, emphasising that the Hajj journey is both spiritual and national, and must reflect professionalism at every level.
Chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the new board comprises Shaibu Mahama as Administrator, along with Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim.
President Mahama expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a seamless Hajj operation that meets the expectations of Ghanaian pilgrims.
The President’s expectations extended to creating a humane, orderly and transparent Hajj environment, reiterating that every action of the Board must prioritise the welfare of pilgrims. He emphasised that the Hajj experience should reflect Ghana’s commitment to service and excellence.
By emphasising digital reforms, accountability and improved welfare structures, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s aim to modernise the Hajj process in a manner befitting Ghana’s growing Muslim community.
The inauguration concluded with a clear mandate: digitisation, discipline and service must define Ghana’s next era of Hajj administration.
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