First batch of pilgrims to depart from Ghana on August 10

The first batch of Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s holy exercise (Hajj) in the Muslim Republic of Saudi Arabia will leave Ghana on August 10, 2017.

According to arrangements made by the National Hajj Board, a total of 6 flights are supposed to be flying directly from Tamale airport in the Northern Region to the Holy land.

Chairman of the National Hajj Board, Sheikh I.C Quaye who visited the Northern Region last week to access facilities ahead of the planned airlifting of passengers, said it has become imperative to increase the number of flights due to the numbers involved.

“In recognition of the Muslims here, we are increasing it [the flights] to six”.

While promising an incident free Hajj this year, he also hinted of plans to relocate hajj village to the Tamale Sports Stadium to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.

The erstwhile John Dramani Mahama government upgraded the airport to the status of an international airport after the expansion project and organised the first hajj flights to fly directly from Tamale to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during last year’s pilgrimage.

A total of four (40 flights carried the over 500 pilgrims from Tamale directly to Jeddah.