HAJJ: A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS FOR THE STATE

Hajj is a massive financial operation that generates millions of dollars annually in this country, yet there remains a persistent misconception that it is a financial burden on the state. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. Pilgrims pay substantial fees to cover every aspect of their journey, making Hajj a self-financing venture rather than a state-subsidized one.

The Saudi government maintains strict control over the organization of Hajj, allowing only the following entities to coordinate pilgrimages:

Government Agencies: Countries that subscribe to this model have an official Hajj body responsible for organizing the pilgrimage. In Ghana, we have the Ghana Hajj Board, while Nigeria has the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Licensed Private Tour Operators: This model allows for agencies to be accredited by the Saudi authorities and operate under strict guidelines.
The Nusuk Platform: This is a recent addition that allows individuals from selected countries, mostly in the West, to book Hajj packages directly without going through government agencies or private operators.

Ghana operates under the first model, where the Ghana Hajj Board is solely responsible for organizing the pilgrimage. Each year, the Board sets the Hajj fare and accredits agencies to facilitate the process. Given that pilgrims pay full costs for their participation, it is only logical that the state ensures a smooth and transparent process, including investing in infrastructure like terminals and all that will make the process seamless since hajj is never free nor subsidized.

Despite the clear evidence that pilgrims fully fund their journey, there is a widespread belief that Hajj imposes a financial burden on the government. This misconception stems largely from the opaque financial management of the Ghana Hajj Board. Each year, the Board collects over $20 million from prospective pilgrims. This figure is derived from the 2025 quota of 5,000 pilgrims, each paying $4,130. In previous years, the revenue was even higher, $6,250 per pilgrim in 2024 and $6,500 in 2023, yet there is no publicly available audit report detailing expenditures or any shortfalls augmented by government contributions.

If the process were managed efficiently, there would be no need for claims of debt accumulation. Instead, prudent financial management could even generate surplus funds, which could be used to better the organization of the hajj. President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged this when he cut sod for the Hajj Terminal (Village), instructing that any profit from Hajj should go to charity rather than being treated as a commercial enterprise. His comments indicate that those in charge recognize that Hajj operations do, in fact, generate profits.

One undeniable issue is the political abuse of Hajj allocations. Over the years, successive governments have distributed free Hajj tickets to party loyalists under the guise of government sponsorship. This political manoeuvring is what contributes to financial shortfalls, not that organising hajj is subsidy-dependent

Moving forward, the Ghana Hajj Board must be held accountable. A detailed and independently audited report of Hajj finances should be made public to dispel suspicions of mismanagement. If transparency continues to be elusive, an alternative approach would be to negotiate with the Saudi government to allow at least three private tour operators to take over the organization of Hajj in Ghana. Introducing competition could significantly improve efficiency and ensure better service for pilgrims.

Hajj is a sacred religious obligation, not a tool for financial exploitation or political gain. It is time for full accountability and a system that truly serves the interests of Ghanaian pilgrims.

Authored By: Abdulai Abdul Gafaru

📷 Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana