President John Dramani Mahama has called for the full digitisation of Ghana’s Hajj management system to address the increasing number of applicants and enhance communication with prospective pilgrims.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted Hajj Board on Friday, November 14, President Mahama noted that an electronic system would significantly reduce congestion at registration centres, eliminate fraud, and improve the accuracy of data records.
The new Board is chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, with Shaibu Mahama serving as Administrator. Other members include Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar, and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim.
President Mahama urged the Board to uphold professionalism and ensure a smooth, well-coordinated Hajj operation that meets the expectations of Ghana’s Muslim pilgrims.
“I encourage this Board to adopt digital tools to streamline registration, communication, and feedback processes. 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,” he said.
He also directed that a periodic report be submitted at the end of each Hajj season to the Office of the Chief of Staff, detailing safety outcomes, expenditures and logistics.
“The Hajj board must operate under clear guidlines, with periodic reporting to the office of the Chief of Staff.”
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