22/06/2022
New post added at Zongo Mail - Muslim Group demonstrates for the removal of Shaikh IC Quaye as chairman of Hajj BoardMuslim Group demonstrates for the removal of Shaikh IC Quaye as chairman of Hajj BoardMuslim Group demonstrates for the removal of Shaikh IC Quaye as chairman of Hajj BoardA Group calling itself Patriotic Muslim Front has hit the streets protesting over 100 percent increment of Hajj fees, calling for the dismissal of Sheikh I.C. Quaye as Hajj Board Chairman.
The PMF alleges "many administrative indiscretions" under Sheikh I. C. Quaye which has resulted in lack of confidence in the board.
In a petition read its President Alhaji Haruna Mohammed, the PMF called for "demand item by item breakdown of the cost buildup that necessitated a 100% upward fare adjustment".
Below is the full statement
The president
Republic of Ghana JH/PMF/001
Jubilee House
Accra.
20th June, 2022.
PETITION FOR THE REMOVAL OF SHEIKH I.C. QUAYE AS CHAIRMAN OF HAJJ BOARD
1.Patriotic Muslim Front hereinafter referred to as PMF, is a coalition of young Muslim intellectuals, businessmen and students whose sole purpose is the advancement of the course of Islam in the context of religious pluralism. Our work is anchored on the need for peace and security, accountability and transparency from our Muslim leaders.
2. Following the announcement of the fees and charges to be paid by prospective Muslims pilgrims by the Hajj Board on 6th June, 2022, we in the PMF held several engagements with prospective pilgrims. Subsequent to these encounters, we undertook to find out the reasons for increases in the fares of pilgrims who agreed to leave their monies with the Board since 2020 based on the agreement duly signed on their behalf by their agents.
3. We, encouraged to secure the interests of the Muslim Ummah, have initiated series of activity to bring clarity and transparency to the activities pertaining to Islamic pilgrimage. On 2nd June, 2022, we served the Ghana Hajj Board with a letter requesting explanations relative to the fees as well as issues that border on transparency and credibility of the Board Chairman.
4. We note in particular that, the Board has reviewed its fees upward this year to the tune of Thirty-Nine thousand Ghana cedis (GHc39,000). PMF and indeed the entirety of the Muslim Ummah, therefore demand item by item breakdown of the cost buildup that necessitated a 100% upward fare adjustment.
5. Again, we find that there have been many administrative indiscretions with grave implications for the work of the Board. For instance, unilateral attempts have been made to change signatories to the account of the Board in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the blind side of the Board.
6.Whereupon, we urge on the appointing authority, i.e. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana to urgently act on this matter.
7. Having said all these, PMF believes that, the key defining features of a practicing Muslim are righteousness and the advancement of the course of Islam. It is in this light that, the Muslim Umma doubt Sheikh I.C. Quaye’s credibility to lead as Chairman of the Board.
8. PMF has reliable information that, the fees charged in Ghana are arguably the highest in the sub-region.
9. Pilgrims in Nigeria are charged $ 5,500 (Five thousand five hundred united states Dollars) but are refunded $ 1,000 ( One thousand United Sates Dollars) upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia. Conversely, Ghanaian pilgrims pay $ 5,000 ( Five thousand US$ Dollars) with no refund. This implies that, Nigerian pilgrims are inclined to pay lesser compared to Ghana.
10. PMF finds these developments unacceptable. More so, the age of Sheikh I.C. Quaye at 86 disqualifies him as a fit (Chairman) to lead the pilgrims to the holy land.
As a result, we call on H.E. President Nana Akuffo Addo to as a matter of urgency, terminate the appointment of Sheikh I.C. Quaye as Board Chairman so as to roll back the wheels of confidence in the Board by the Muslim Ummah.
We in the PMF, recognizing your commitment to promote and assist free and meaningful practice of religion, await your prompt action.
Accept our assurances of the highest regard.
………………………
Alhaji Haruna Mohammed
(President; PMF)
A Group calling itself Patriotic Muslim Front has hit the streets protesting over 100 percent increment of Hajj fees, calling for the dismissal of Sheikh I.C. Quaye as Hajj Board Chairman. The PMF alleges
