The Patriotic Muslim Front (PMF), a Civil Society Organization has commended President John Dramani Mahama for the timely formation of a five-member Hajj Task Force, expressing optimism about its ability to enhance the management of Hajj operations in Ghana.

In a statement signed by its president, Alhaji Muhammed Haruna, the PMF extended its congratulations to  Alhaji Collins Dauda and the team tasked with overseeing Hajj preparations for 2025.

The group expressed hope that the task force would uphold the confidence reposed in them by the President and the Ghanaian Muslim community, ensuring transparency, accountability, and a commitment to improving pilgrim welfare.

The PMF urged the taskforce to be transparent about the cost structure for Hajj 2025 and to fulfil President Mahama’s pledge to drastically reduce Hajj fares.

The statement emphasized that transparency in pricing and operations would build trust among the Muslim community and alleviate the financial burden on prospective pilgrims.

'While acknowledging the short time frame left to plan for the 2025 Hajj, the PMF stressed the importance of prioritizing competence and quality in the execution of the task force’s mandate.

Government must draft a team of individuals with a proven track record in managing complex logistics, ensuring pilgrim welfare, and maintaining transparency and accountability,” the statement read.

The PMF also highlighted its concerns over past mismanagement of Hajj operations, particularly the perceived commercialization and profit-driven approach that has burdened pilgrims over the years.

The CSO called for a departure from such practices, urging the government to prioritize affordability and welfare.

In addition, the PMF recommended the inclusion of civil society representatives in the task force to provide oversight and ensure accountability.

The statement reiterated that the primary responsibility of the task force should be to serve the Ghanaian Muslim community by providing a safe, affordable, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.

The PMF reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the task force to ensure the success of Hajj operations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing pilgrim welfare and making Ghana’s Hajj operations a model of excellence.

“Let us work together to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our pilgrims and make Ghana’s Hajj operations a model of excellence in Africa and the world,” the statement concluded.