Sheikh I. C. Quaye with Bugri Naabu, National chief Imam,Dr. Bawumia and Salifu Saeed in Tamale
A total number of 505 pilgrims have been airlifted from Tamale to the holy land of Mecca for this year’s hajj.
Last year, four flights were used to convey pilgrims from Tamale to the holy land but this year, five flights are expected to convey pilgrims with each flight taking a total of 505 pilgrims.
The Ghana Hajj Board Chairman, Sheikh I.C Quaye has called on this year’s pilgrims to embark on the holy journey peacefully.
He revealed that all arrangements had been made to ensure the comfort of pilgrims.
“We have made all the necessary arrangements for your comfort, we have entered into agreement with various housing and food agents and agencies who will provide and meet all your needs”.
According to him, buses had been provided to convey pilgrims from Harab to Mecca and these packages include three square meals for all pilgrims.
Sheikh I. C Quaye hinted that the president has vowed to put an end to the seeming annual sufferings encountered by pilgrims.
He indicated that a welfare team had therefore been put together to ensure the general welfare of pilgrims and to give assistance to the aged and the weak with all their medical assistance they would ever need.
An advance team had been dispatched to Saudi Arabia ahead of the arrival of the pilgrims to prepare the grounds and receive pilgrims on arrival at Madina and Mecca.
Sheikh I. C. Quaye advised the pilgrims to observe the laws of the Saudi Kingdom and also pray for the country as well as its leaders for God’s guidance.
He urged pilgrims to avoid traveling with any prohibited items such as narcotics.
“We want all of you to go to Mecca and perform the hajj with comfort and ease and while in the holy land; be keepers of each other, stay in unity and promote a common cause.”
The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Saeed expressed his gratitude to the various chiefs, traditional rulers, Imams and opinion leaders in the region for their effort in making all the arrangements to ensure a successful hajj.
He asked all pilgrims to pray for peace for the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale