A solemn funeral service was held yesterday in Maamobi, Accra, for Ghana’s late Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Alhaji Saani Jajah, as the nation gathered to honour a diplomat remembered for his extraordinary kindness, integrity and patriotic devotion to service.
President John Dramani Mahama led a distinguished delegation of mourners, joined by His Eminence the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, among other high-ranking officials who paid their last respects to the late diplomat.
Alhaji Saani Jajah passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His death was announced by his nephew, Hon. Yussif Jajah, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso North and Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by the family.
A Brief but Distinguished Diplomatic Career
President Mahama appointed Alhaji Saani Jajah as Ghana’s Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on September 11, 2025. Based at Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh, he worked closely with Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Said Sinare. In his capacity as Deputy Head of Mission, Jajah played a pivotal role in Ghana-Saudi diplomatic relations, supporting efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. His responsibilities also included consular matters, providing assistance to Ghanaian nationals living in or travelling through the Kingdom, and supporting Ghanaian pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Ambassador Sinare, in a tribute, described his late deputy not only as a trusted colleague but as his “beloved brother.”
A Funeral of National Significance
In his tribute, President Mahama described the late diplomat’s passing as a profound loss to both his family and the nation. The President had earlier visited the Jajah family home at Nima in Accra on Sunday, August 9, to extend his personal condolences.
Mourners from across the diplomatic community, government circles and civil society gathered to reflect on Jajah’s legacy and the impact he had on countless lives. He was remembered as a man of exceptional kindness who devoted himself selflessly to serving Ghana and supporting those around him.
Special Honour from Saudi Arabia
The family and government expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Saudi Arabia for granting special dispensation for the late diplomat to be buried at the historic and sacred Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina. Founded by Prophet Muhammad, Al-Baqi is the oldest and first Islamic cemetery, serving as the final resting place for many of the Prophet’s relatives and companions, and is regarded as one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islamic tradition. The gesture was described as a significant honour and a reflection of the high esteem in which Alhaji Saani Jajah was held.
As family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers continue to mourn his passing, prayers have been offered for strength and comfort for his loved ones. May his memory remain a blessing, and may Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
