The Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Muslim Peace Committee, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that pilgrims from Ghana’s middle belt are airlifted directly from Kumasi for the 2027 Hajj.
He wants the President to direct the Ghana Hajj Board and relevant aviation stakeholders to conclude arrangements early to make Prempeh I International Airport a designated Hajj departure point.
Sheikh Ridwan says the expansion of the airport makes direct Hajj flights from the Ashanti Regional capital a practical possibility.
“This is the ideal time for government to provide the necessary leadership and ensure that all aviation arrangements are concluded well in advance for Kumasi to become a Hajj departure point in 2027.”
For more than a decade, the Islamic scholar has advocated direct departures from Kumasi to ease the burden on pilgrims from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western North and neighbouring regions, who often have to endure long road journeys to Accra or Tamale before beginning their pilgrimage.
Sheikh Ridwan also points to congestion, accommodation and sanitation challenges at the Accra Hajj Village, arguing that decentralising departures could significantly improve the experience for pilgrims.
“The substantial investment in refurbishing Prempeh I International Airport must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including the thousands of Hajj pilgrims from Ghana’s middle belt.”
He is therefore urging the Ghana Hajj Board, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited and airline operators to collaborate and make Kumasi a Hajj departure point in 2027.
“Direct Hajj airlifts from Kumasi will improve safety, dignity, efficiency and convenience for intending pilgrims while reducing the pressure associated with travelling long distances by road to other departure points,” he emphasized.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
