Sheikh I.C. Quaye, former Chairman of the Hajj Board, has sharply criticized the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, for his recent campaign promises to reduce Hajj fares and construct permanent housing at the Hajj Village if elected in the 2024 presidential election.
Quaye accused Mahama of neglecting the welfare of Hajj pilgrims during his time in office, alleging that the Hajj Board, under leaders Alhaji Benneh and Alhaji Tanko, misappropriated over 1 million Ghana Cedis allocated for pilgrims. He also claimed that many pilgrims were denied the chance to undertake the pilgrimage during Mahama’s tenure.
In a statement to journalists, Quaye emphasized that pilgrims faced worse conditions under the NDC administration, with their concerns largely ignored. He expressed skepticism over Mahama’s new promises, highlighting the lack of tangible results during his previous administration.
“Between 2009 and 2012 under the Alhaji Benneh as Hajj Board chairman, over one million Ghana cedis paid by pilgrims was squandered. These pilgrims were not carried to perform the Hajj.
“A similar situation was repeated between 2012 and 2016 under the Alhaji Tanko-led board where some 452 pilgrims paid but never got to embark on the Hajj while they were also not reimbursed.
“This was the plight of prospective pilgrims and pilgrims under the NDC government”, he stated.
