President John Mahama has announced the formation of a five-member task force to address the high costs of the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.

The task force, led by the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, has been tasked with securing arrangements that will make the pilgrimage more affordable.

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Speaking during a National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event held at the National Mosque in Kanda in Accra on Friday, January 10, Mr Mahama noted that the task force will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 13 to participate in the annual Hajj conference.

“One of their primary responsibilities is to negotiate arrangements that will drastically reduce Hajj fares. This will enable more Muslims who wish to perform the pilgrimage to fulfill this religious obligation,” he stated.

Additionally, he announced plans to introduce a second holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, fulfilling a campaign promise to enhance recognition of Islamic festivities in Ghana.

“As part of our promises, we assured the Muslim community of adding one more holiday to the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Once Parliament resumes, we will amend the Holidays Act to officially recognise an additional day for the Sallah festivities,” Mr Mahama said.

This initiative means that after the conclusion of Ramadan, Ghanaians will have two public holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Mr Mahama assured that the necessary legislative processes would be expedited to ensure the change is implemented this year.