A new venue for Hajj operations in Tamale has been identified following the intervention of the Northern Regional Minister who had earlier promised that he would make available a more convenient location.
Last Wednesday, a delegation of the Ghana Hajj Board led by its Chairman Sheikh IC Quaye undertook a two-day visit to the Northern Regional capital to inspect the new venue and engage with stakeholders about preparations for this year’s Hajj.
The team visited the Tamale Stadium – the new venue which replaces the Jubilee Park or Police Park and was satisfied with the place.
The team also met with a cross section of Imams from Tamale who expressed their expectations about the Hajj this year.
The meeting took place at the Regional Minister’s Conference Hall. The minister demanded of the Hajj Board to ensure a successful hajj and to ensure that local boys were given the opportunity to serve in whatever opportunities are available during the preparations for the pilgrimage.
The Chairman of the board assured stakeholders about a successful hajj given the arrangements put out to achieve this goal.
He bemoaned the quantum of debt around the neck of the board thus: ‘ the debt is hanging on my neck but we shall overcome it with the support of the government Ghana which is showing compassion for those who could not make the hajj even after they had fully paid’.
The Chairman of the Hajj Board assured Ghanaians that government has commenced investigations into the whereabouts of the monies paid by the 452 stranded pilgrims.
The Tamale Airport Manager, Michael Omane-Mensah told DAILY GUIDE that they will ensure that the aircraft arrives and takes off safely.
According to him, there are plans of using a different facility other than the Jubilee Park this year and the Hajj board is considering the Tamale Sports Stadium to process pilgrims.
The delegation also held discussions with accredited agents in Tamale and solicited their views on the way forward.
The Imams expressed delight about the engagement saying that it was the first time they had been engaged on the issue of Hajj.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale