President Mahama cuts sod for permanent Hajj Village

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, February 28, 2025, cut the sod for the construction of a permanent Hajj Village in Accra, aimed at improving the experience of Ghanaian Muslim pilgrims.

Speaking at the event, Mr Mahama said the new facility would provide a more organised and dignified environment for pilgrims before their departure to Saudi Arabia.

He explained that past arrangements, including the use of temporary structures, had not been ideal, making the construction of a permanent village necessary.

He recalled his experience overseeing Hajj operations as Vice President in 2009, where pilgrims had to sleep in the open at the El-Wak Stadium, with many contracting malaria before embarking on their journey.

Over the years, efforts were made to improve conditions with temporary Hajj villages, but he noted that a permanent facility was long overdue.

The new Hajj Village, designed as a smaller version of Kotoka International Airport’s Terminal 3, will serve as a central processing point for pilgrims.

It will include a mosque, an ablution area, accommodation, a health centre, a market, catering services, immigration desks, and check-in counters.

Pilgrims will complete all pre-departure formalities at the village before being transported directly to their flights.

Mr Mahama stated that the facility would not be run as a profit-making venture.

He directed that any surplus funds from Hajj operations should be donated to the poor or invested in projects that benefit Muslim communities.

He also announced plans to amend the Public Holidays Act to grant an additional holiday for Eid al-Fitr. This means that, starting this year, Muslims will have two public holidays to mark the end of Ramadan.

The project, which has been in the planning stages for years, is expected to be completed within 24 months.

Mr Mahama acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations and stakeholders who contributed to making the project possible.