By Thaimu T Kamara
On the 2nd of November 2025. The Ministry of information and Civic Education held it weekly press conference at lass Villa, Freetown. The government representatives, Media representatives are all present.
The deputy minister of information and Civic Education Bocakarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, explained to the public that the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required only for those who can afford it.
He emphasized on believe and discourage individual from relying on government to pay for people to perform hajj. Halal Money is good he said.
The deputy minister of social welfare and government representative, Mr. Mohammed Hajj Kella, explained that, our responsibility is to manage the Hajj process. Through the approval of the president of the republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio. And the vice president Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh server as the head of the task force.
The Deputy minister, Hajj Kella reported that this year we have 800 pilgrims from Sierra Leone and 2,200 from the diaspora, noting that over half of those registered have already paid. Although the payment deadline had already elapse. But extension has been granted for a few more days. He assured that all the 800 Sierra Leonean will travel.
He also explained that while the government previously subsidies about $250 per person, the Hajj committee is now transitioning towards full independence from government financial support.
The Chairman of the PHTF Alhajie Murtade Sesay said that since his appointments as chairman significant improvement have been made. The 2026 registration process is complete and on schedule. He disclosed that pilgrims with medical conditions will not travel this year, in accordance with new Saudi regulations. Accommodation and transportation arrangements for the 2026 delegation have already been finalized.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 8th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
