Pollster Mussa Dankwah, has shared a firsthand account of the challenging conditions faced by budget-conscious Hajj participants, highlighting severe overcrowding in the Mina and Arafat camps during the 2025 pilgrimage.
In a detailed Facebook post, Dankwah, also a pilgrim described how pilgrims who opted for lower-cost packages were subjected to cramped accommodations, with nearly 6,000 individuals housed in spaces intended for 5,000.
He noted that while premium packages offered more comfortable lodging, the budget accommodations were inadequate, forcing many to sleep outdoors under the scorching sun.
Dankwah emphasised that the overcrowding was not due to a lack of space in hotels but rather a failure in camp management and planning.
He expressed concern over reports suggesting further reductions in Hajj fares, urging the government to redirect any savings towards securing more spacious and better-equipped camps for future contingents.
He concluded by warning that without significant improvements in accommodation and camp facilities, pilgrims would continue to endure substandard conditions, detracting from the spiritual experience of the Hajj.