The National Hajj Taskforce has cautioned Ghanaian pilgrims against smuggling prohibited items—including drugs and kola nuts—during this year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The warning aligns with strict legal guidelines issued by Saudi authorities governing the Hajj.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, May 16, the Chairman of the Taskforce, Collins Dauda, called on security agencies to remain vigilant in identifying any potential breaches of the law by pilgrims.

He also disclosed that a framework will be developed to sanction offenders.

“We indicated to our pilgrims the need to avoid sending along prohibited items like large quantities of kola, large quantities of tramadol, and large quantities of Gebedol to Saudi Arabia. Chewing of kola is not prohibited in Ghana,” he said.

Dauda clarified that the restrictions on certain items are based on the host country’s laws and not Ghana’s.

“The authorities in Saudi Arabia said we shouldn’t bring kola. Ghana has nothing to do with it. If you want to pray in Saudi Arabia, you must conform to their rules and respect their regulations. No pilgrim should put even one kola in his/her pockets,” he emphasized.

He further noted the reputational risks involved, stating: “It is a prohibited item; these prohibited items give Ghana a negative image when seen at the Airport. We don’t want anything to be seized in Saudi Arabia.”

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