By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, July 18, GNA— Two pilgrims from the Bawku Central constituency are currently unaccounted for after participating in the 2025 Hajj, according to Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawku Central.
Mr. Ayariga attributed the situation to language barriers and the advanced age of the pilgrims.
“Mr. Speaker, I cannot account for two of my pilgrims. I have been calling our Consular Officer there to help us find where they are because some of them are very old people,” Mr. Ayariga said.
“It is becoming very challenging, and this is the first time many of them are venturing outside Ghana, so sometimes when they get there, they get mixed up with other countries,” he added.
Mr. Ayariga, also the Majority Leader, made the observation on the Floor of Parliament on Thursday.
He said, “So, after the Hajj, we cannot account for our people; the Foreign Affairs Minister is the person we should be working with. I have said that perhaps it is time for this house and the country to have legislation on Hajj instead of it just being a committee.”
Former Minister for Defence and a New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, had called on the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs to brief Parliament on the overall management of the 2025 Hajj.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, in his response noted that a full briefing would be provided after the Hajj Committee’s report.
“Mr. Speaker, in briefing Parliament, you must be on point. You are asking this question to help this country prevent further recurrence. A report will be submitted. Let’s exercise restraint.
“When a report is submitted by Honourable Collins Dauda’s committee, then we can come and brief you appropriately,” the Minister said.
GNA
Christian Akorlie