The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims who took part in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The deceased comprise five women and two men.

Although their identities have not been publicly disclosed, the Hajj Board has duly informed the affected families in Ghana and extended the nation’s condolences.

Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, addressed the development in an interview with TV3 on Saturday, 7th June, describing the loss as profoundly unfortunate.

“Regrettably, during this year’s pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Death is always painful, but it is an inevitable part of life. We express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families back home,” he said.

Alhaji Dauda further indicated that the Hajj Board would, in due course, visit the affected families to offer direct support and solidarity.

In line with Islamic tradition, all seven pilgrims were laid to rest in Saudi Arabia, as is customary for those who pass away during the sacred journey.

Over 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims undertook the 2025 Hajj, joining more than two million Muslims from around the world. The pilgrimage is renowned for its spiritually enriching yet physically taxing rituals, often carried out amid intense heat. This year, temperatures in Mecca reportedly soared beyond 48°C, posing grave health risks—particularly for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Despite the harsh climatic conditions, the 2025 death toll marks a significant improvement. In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims lost their lives during Hajj. This year’s figure of seven represents a decline of nearly 59%.

Alhaji Dauda attributed the reduction in fatalities to robust health and safety interventions introduced in collaboration with Saudi authorities. Measures included comprehensive pre-departure medical screenings, the deployment of dedicated Ghanaian medical personnel, and enhancements to emergency response mechanisms.

Further preventive initiatives—such as the provision of hydration centres and regular health advisories—were also instituted to safeguard pilgrims from the dangers of heatstroke.

The Ghana Hajj Board has reiterated its commitment to improving the safety and welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims and pledged to continuously refine its systems in alignment with international standards for managing large-scale religious gatherings under extreme conditions.