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We can account for Every Pilgrim who traveled to Saudi Arabia – Hajj Taskforce

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Published on Wednesday July 16 2025

Published at 11:01Pm

Ghana Hajj Taskforce has clarified that every Pilgrim who traveled under the official arrangements of the Ghana Hajj Taskforce for the 2025 pilgrimage has been fully accounted for, and no missing pilgrim has been reported.

This clarification follows a statement attributed to the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga purportedly stating that he is unable to account for two pilgrims under his care who participated in this year’s Hajj.

In a letter issued by the Hajj Taskforce today, Wednesday 16th August 2025, they said the two People in question had not traveled with them, indicating that preliminary investigations conducted by the Hajj Taskforce in collaboration with Ghana’s
The consulate in Jeddah has identified the two individuals as Inusah Ramatu and Sali Hawa, confirming that these individuals did not travel under the official Ghana
Hajj quota, emphasizing that they entered Saudi Arabia with a Tourist Visa, which contravenes Saudi Laws for the Hajj Pilgrimage.

The Hajj Taskforce also noted that the MP
has even reported the incident to Ghana’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Taskforce stated that the victims are part of a wider group who sought to perform Hajj through illegal means, admonishing all prospective pilgrims to follow the officially approved procedures for Hajj by acquiring a valid Hajj visa through accredited agents and the Taskforce, insisting that other route is illegal, unsafe, and outside the jurisdiction or protection of the Ghana Hajj authorities.

Below is the press statement

The attention of the Ghana Hajj Taskforce has been drawn to a media publication by GHOne Television, in which the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon.Mahama Ayariga, is reported to have stated:

“I am unable to account for two pilgrims under my care who participated in this year’s Hajj.”

The Ghana Hajj Taskforce wishes to clarify as follows:

Every pilgrim who traveled under the official arrangements of the Ghana Hajj Taskforce for the 2025 pilgrimage has been fully accounted for, and no missing pilgrim has been reported.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Hajj Taskforce in collaboration with Ghana’s
The consulate in Jeddah has identified the two individuals as Inusah Ramatu and Sali Hawa.

Further verification has confirmed that these individuals did not travel under the official Ghana Hajj quota. Instead, they entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using tourist visas, a practice which contravenes Saudi regulations for the Hajj pilgrimage.

We can also confirm that, the MP
has reported the incident to Ghana’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia on the matter and this information is verifiable.

The victims are part of a wider group who sought to perform the Hajj through illegal means. It is well known that several individuals who entered Saudi Arabia using non-Hajj (tourist or“Bongo”) visas have been arrested or detained by Saudi authorities.
The Ghana Hajj Taskforce strongly advises all prospective pilgrims to follow the officially approved procedures for Hajj by acquiring a valid Hajj visa through accredited agents and the Taskforce.

Any other route is illegal, unsafe, and outside the jurisdiction or protection of the Ghana Hajj authorities.

We remain committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and proper facilitation of all Ghanaian pilgrims.

Story by: Inusah Dondaliya

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NPP Annuls Constituency Executive Elections in Three Constituencies, Refers Disputes to Electoral Affairs Committee

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Published: July 15, 2026

Published at: 3:55pm

Story by Saibu Terry

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has annulled the purported Constituency Executive Elections conducted in three constituencies, citing violations of party directives, election regulations, and, where applicable, existing court orders.

In a statement dated July 15, 2026, the party announced that the National Steering Committee took the decision after reviewing the conduct of the constituency executive elections held across the country over the weekend.

According to the statement, the annulled elections were held in Bantama, Afigya Sekyere East, and Adansi Asokwa constituencies.

The NPP said the elections in the affected constituencies were conducted in “flagrant disregard” of party directives, the rules and regulations governing the 2026 Constituency Executive Elections, and, in some instances, subsisting court orders.

The party further disclosed that the Ashanti Regional Steering Committee has been summoned to appear before the National Steering Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to explain the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the elections in the affected constituencies.

Additionally, the National Steering Committee has referred election-related issues in Asante Akyem Central, together with all other unresolved constituency election disputes, to the Electoral Affairs Committee of the National Council for advice and recommendations.

The NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring strict compliance with its constitution and regulations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and transparency of its internal democratic processes.

The statement was jointly signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Danquah Smith Buttey, and General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

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NDC Northern Regional Elections Directorate Takes Over Tamale Central Branch Elections

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Published July 15, 2026

Published at: 3:27Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

The Northern Regional Elections Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it has assumed full responsibility for all activities relating to the party’s branch elections in the Tamale Central Constituency with immediate effect.

In an official notice issued on Tuesday, the Directorate said the decision would remain in force until further notice, indicating that it will oversee and manage all aspects of the branch election process in the constituency.

The statement directed all party members, stakeholders, and interested persons to channel all communications, inquiries, and issues concerning the Tamale Central branch elections through the Northern Regional Elections Directorate.

While the notice did not state the reasons behind the decision, the Regional Elections Directorate appealed to members for their cooperation and understanding as it carries out its mandate.

The notice was signed by Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of Elections and IT of the NDC.

The latest development places the administration of the Tamale Central branch elections directly under the supervision of the regional leadership, pending further directives.

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Ghana Drawn with Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for WAFU B U-20 Championship

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Published: July 15, 2026

Published at: 2:15Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

Ghana’s Black Satellites have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside regional rivals Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The draw was conducted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the headquarters of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Black Satellites will renew their fierce rivalry with Nigeria in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the competition. Togo and Burkina Faso complete a highly competitive group, setting the stage for a demanding qualification campaign for the four-time African champions.

Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Niger, with the three nations also competing for a place at the continental championship.

The WAFU B U-20 Championship will feature all seven member associations of the zone and serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Ghana, adding extra significance to the Black Satellites’ campaign as they seek to qualify for the continental showpiece on home soil.

WAFU B U-20 Championship Draw

Group A

Côte d’Ivoire
Benin
Niger

Group B

Ghana
Nigeria
Togo
Burkina Faso

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