Ghana’s Hajj Board in a bid to enhance it’s Hajj operations, has held a meeting with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NACOHN) to foster knowledge sharing and learn from each other's experiences, as both countries conclude their 2023 Hajj operations with the successful repatriation of pilgrims.

The Ghanaian delegation, led by the Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, who is also the Presidential Coordinator for Zongo Development, Ben Abdallah Banda emphasised the importance of the interaction and noted that the exchange of ideas between the two organizations will help improve Hajj operations and services in their respective countries.

“I deem it appropriate and prudent to come to you on a familiarisation visit so we can share experiences and improve Hajj operations and services in our respective countries,” said Ben Abdallah Banda

He further added that “Our purpose is to learn a lot from Nigeria considering your experience and the number of pilgrims you manage. This is also a reciprocal visit since you called on my predecessor, Sheikh I. C. Quaye in Ghana in 2021”.

Acknowledging the complexities of Hajj operations, Chairman Banda highlighted the significance of continuous improvement and expressed optimism that such meetings would address challenges faced during the process.

“Hajj Operations is not an event but a process. So as Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, there is so much to learn from you on the intricacies of Hajj and so much ideas to also share, so for us in particular, we can also improve a lot on our Hajj operations."

On his part, Chairman of the Nigeria Hajj Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, gave a background to the establishment of the NACOHN, and how it coordinates Africa’s biggest Hajj operations and the 5th biggest in the world.

With a contingent of nearly 100,000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in this year’s Hajj, Nigeria was the country with the 5th largest contingent to the Hajj behind Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

He further suggested that moving forward, Ghana, Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region can come together to form a Pan African Hajj Union, which will have a stronger voice to bargain for better services.

Members of Ghana’s delegation included board members Masaudu Osman, Abdul Aziz Haruna Futa and Ahmed Abdulai Abu.