Rosemond Obeng, a presidential staffer, has defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s record on facilitating Muslim pilgrimages, while challenging claims that Christians can now conveniently travel to Israel.

Obeng noted that during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) era, “with a Muslim Vice President, Hajj costs skyrocketed with zero subsidies, placing the pilgrimage beyond the reach of ordinary Muslims.”

He added that under the NDC government, as of February 5, 2025, the costs associated with Hajj were reduced, making the pilgrimage more accessible to Ghanaian Muslims.

“Against this record, claims that Christians can now conveniently travel to Israel sounds hollow, especially coming from a leader whose words, sadly, have lost credibility,” Obeng said.

The comments come amid ongoing political debate about the accessibility and affordability of religious pilgrimages under successive governments in Ghana. Obeng’s remarks highlight the NDC’s efforts to support Muslims on the Hajj while questioning political statements made by opposition figures regarding Christian travel to Israel.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a pillar of Islam, has historically attracted scrutiny over government support and subsidy arrangements, with debates intensifying whenever political leadership changes.

The NDC government’s interventions, according to Obeng, reflect a commitment to making religious travel affordable and inclusive.