Ghana Hajj Board Confirms Seven Pilgrim Deaths During 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, in what officials described as a deeply unfortunate turn of events.

The deceased include five women and two men, all of whom passed away while participating in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims from across the globe to the holy city of Mecca.

Although the identities of the deceased have not been publicly disclosed, the Board says affected families in Ghana have been duly informed.

Speaking to TV3 on Saturday, June 7, Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, expressed condolences to the bereaved.

“Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come,” he said. “We take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case.”

The Board confirmed that, in accordance with Islamic tradition, all seven individuals were buried in Saudi Arabia.

This year, over 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, joining more than 2 million Muslims globally in fulfilling one of Islam’s five pillars.

The pilgrimage — widely known for its physically demanding rituals — took place under sweltering conditions, with temperatures in Mecca reported to have exceeded 48°C during the peak days.

Health experts have long warned that the desert heat poses significant risks, particularly to the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Despite the tragic loss, Hajj officials noted that the number of fatalities among Ghanaian pilgrims has dropped significantly compared to previous years. Seventeen deaths were recorded during the 2024 Hajj, making the 2025 figure a nearly 60% decline.

Alhaji Dauda attributed the improved outcome to enhanced safety protocols developed in partnership with Saudi health and security authorities.

“We’ve introduced comprehensive medical screening before departure, deployed Ghanaian health teams to travel with the pilgrims, and strengthened our on-ground emergency response systems,” he said.

Additional measures this year included hydration stations, educational campaigns on heatstroke prevention, and quick access to medical care.

The Hajj Board says it will continue to refine its procedures to protect Ghanaian pilgrims and ensure safer participation in future pilgrimages.