The first batch of Muslim pilgrims have been flown from the Yakubu Tali International Airport in Tamale to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The 425 pilgrims, drawn from various parts of northern Ghana, left after completing all pre-departure formalities, including medical screening and orientation on the Hajj process.
Airport authorities, Hajj Board officials, ministers of state and traditional authorities, were present at the hajj village in Tamale to ensure smooth preparation and boarding processes.
The first batch consisted of 425 out of a total of 6000 pilgrims expected to depart from Tamale.
Their departure marked the beginning of Ghana’s Hajj operations for the year, with subsequent batches expected to depart in the coming days.
Chairman of the Hajj task force, Alhaji Collins Dauda addressed the pilgrims before their departure.
“We wish you a safe journey to Saudi Arabia with a lot of blessings. We will all tap into your blessings when you return,” he said.
For his part, Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, assured the pilgrims of government’s support throughout their stay in Mecca and urged them to pray for the nation as they will for themselves.
“Government over the period has made a lot of efforts to make this pilgrimage easy. And amongst these efforts are the reduction in hajj fares, easy access to passport and the adequate preparations made ahead of your travel,” he said.
“The wish of government is that when you get to Saudi Arabia, remember our country, pray for our country and above all pray for President John Dramani Mahama for good health, wisdom and understanding to be able to govern,” Alhaji Muntaka said.
Six batches are expected to jet off from Tamale with the first five batches each consisting of 425 pilgrims and the sixth batch consisting of 350 pilgrims.
