We are deeply sorry – Hajj task force issues apology to stranded Ghanaian pilgrims

The National Hajj Task Force has officially apologised to all Ghanaian pilgrims who were unable to travel to Mecca this year to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The task force says the unfortunate situation was due to circumstances beyond their control, especially visa problems and travel documentation issues.

Speaking to the media, the Head of Corporate Affairs of the Task Force, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, admitted that this year’s Hajj arrangements had some challenges. He acknowledged the pain and disappointment felt by the affected pilgrims, most of whom had already paid their money and were eagerly waiting to travel.

“We Are Deeply Sorry” – Task Force Appeals for Forgiveness

In his heartfelt message, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini humbly apologised on behalf of the entire Task Force.

“I want to apologise to our pilgrims who, in one way or another, have not been able to fly. I seek their forgiveness for our inability to carry them now.”

He went further to assure all affected pilgrims that their cases are being treated with seriousness. The Task Force, he said, is already working on plans to include them in the next available Hajj travel or offer appropriate solutions.

“Those pilgrims who paid but were not able to go and had visa problems, we will deal with them. We will take them along next time, including those on the protocol side,” he promised.

What Caused the Problem? Visa Errors and Documentation Issues

According to Alhaji Fuseini, some of the problems were related to errors in visa processing, and in a few cases, pilgrims had incomplete documentation. These issues prevented some Ghanaians from boarding flights to Saudi Arabia.

“Some attempts to realign the visas resulted in unfortunate mistakes where their visas were withdrawn. I can assure you that we are making every effort to get them to go back,” he explained.

Such errors, he noted, were not intentional but arose from miscommunication and technical complications in visa processing systems.

“They Were Not Deported – They Were Repatriated”

The Task Force also addressed the sensitive matter of five individuals who were sent back to Ghana after initially landing in Saudi Arabia. Many people had assumed they were deported, but Alhaji Fuseini explained the situation clearly.

“Some said they were deported, but we choose to use the word ‘repatriated.’ Deportation suggests criminal activity, but these people have not committed any crime. It was an error in the issuance of their visa,” he clarified.

He said the affected individuals were returned simply because of mistakes on their travel documents, and not because they did anything wrong.

Tragic Loss of Two Pilgrims in Mecca

While this year’s Hajj journey was successful for the majority of Ghanaian pilgrims, the Task Force also confirmed sad news – two Ghanaian pilgrims lost their lives during the pilgrimage in Mecca.

The identities of the deceased were not released, but the Task Force expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the departed.

Such incidents, though rare, are not entirely unexpected during the physically demanding pilgrimage, which often sees millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Mecca under hot and crowded conditions.

6,000 Ghanaians Successfully Performed the 2025 Hajj

Despite the setbacks, about 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims successfully made the journey to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj. These pilgrims were able to complete the religious rites of Hajj and are expected to begin returning to Ghana in the coming weeks.

For many of them, this marks a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual achievement and a fulfilment of one of Islam’s five pillars.

Looking Ahead: Promises of Better Organisation in Future

The National Hajj Task Force says it has taken lessons from this year’s challenges and will use the experience to improve preparations for future pilgrimages.

According to Alhaji Fuseini, the Task Force is already taking steps to:

Improve the visa acquisition process

Streamline travel documentation and verification

Improve communication with prospective pilgrims

Ensure better coordination with Saudi authorities

He emphasized that the welfare of Ghanaian Muslims is the top priority of the Task Force, and no effort will be spared to make the Hajj experience smooth and stress-free for all.

The Emotional Toll on Pilgrims Left Behind

For many Muslims, especially older people, and first-timers, missing the Hajj after paying and preparing spiritually can be devastating. Some of the affected individuals had sold properties, taken loans, or relied on family contributions just to make the journey.

Alhaji Fuseini acknowledged this emotional and financial pain.

“We understand the pain our brothers and sisters are going through. Hajj is not only about travel; it is a deep spiritual call. When one prepares and cannot go, it is a heavy burden,” he said.

Public Reaction: Mixed Feelings Among Ghanaians

The public response has been mixed. While many appreciate the Task Force’s openness and apology, others have called for more accountability and efficient planning going forward.

Some have even suggested parliamentary oversight on Hajj preparations, especially since the pilgrimage is a significant religious obligation for many Ghanaian Muslims.

Conclusion: Hope, Apology, and a Call for Patience

As the 2025 Hajj draws to a close, the story of Ghana’s pilgrimage is one of success for many, sorrow for a few, and lessons for the future. The Task Force’s public apology is a good first step, but affected pilgrims and their families will be watching closely to see if real solutions are offered soon.

For now, Ghanaians are urged to continue to pray for the pilgrims, especially those who died, and support those who were left behind. The Hajj is not just a journey of the body but also of the soul — and in Islam, intentions matter greatly.

To all those who could not go, may your intentions be counted, and may Allah open another door for you in the near future.