The first batch of 425 prospective Ghanaian Muslim pilgrims from the five regions of the north has arrived safely in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the 2025 Hajj.
The pilgrims were airlifted directly from the Yakubu Tali International Airport (TIA) in Tamale to Jeddah on Saturday. The rest of the pilgrims are expected to depart in batches in the coming days.
A total of about 6,000 pilgrims are expected to travel from Ghana to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
This marks an increase of 2,000 compared to the 4,000 pilgrims who participated last year from northern Ghana.
The Chairman of the Interim Hajj Taskforce, Collins Dauda, accompanied by the Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and other government officials, visited the prospective pilgrims at the airport to bid them farewell.
Adequate Arrangements
Alhaji Dauda admonished the would-be pilgrims to be disciplined and law-abiding during their stay in Saudi Arabia to enable them to undertake their spiritual duties successfully.
He assured the pilgrims that adequate measures had been instituted to ensure their safety and security in the holy land.
He added that arrangements had also been made for the pilgrims to be served meals daily throughout their stay in Madina, adding that standard hotels had been secured for them in Mecca.
Wishes and Advice
For his part, Alhaji Muntaka wished them a safe and peaceful journey and assured them of the highest quality of service, noting that the interim Hajj taskforce had made all the necessary and befitting arrangements to ensure their comfort and well-being.
He implored them to use the opportunity to pray for peace and stability in the country to promote development.
The Northern Regional Minister also advised the would-be pilgrims on the actions required to perfect their Hajj.
Some of the prospective pilgrims who spoke with Graphic Online expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by both the Hajj agents and the Hajj committee to ensure a successful pilgrimage.
ALSO READ: