[ 2014-09-17 ]

Vice President Amissah-Arthur opens 2014 Hajj
Accra, Sept.16, GNA - Vice President Kwesi
Amissah-Arthur has officially opened the National
Hajj Village for the 2014 Hajj pilgrimage in
Accra.

This year, a total of 5,524 pilgrims would embark
on the Hajj, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from
Tuesday, September 16 – 27, 2014.

The cost per person embarking on the Muslim
religious pilgrimage is GH¢9,900.00.

Besides, 500 pilgrims would be airlifted from the
Kotoka International Airport each day for twelve
consecutive days by the Saudi Arabia Airways to
Saudi Arabia.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who was accompanied
by Sheikh Dr Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief
Imam, Officials of the National Hajj Board and
other Muslim clergy, toured the various facilities
at the National Hajj Village.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, speaking at the
function, commended the various government
agencies such as the CEPS, Immigration Service,
Food and Drug Authority and private institutions
among others for working to ensure a successful
Hajj this year.

He also applauded the Saudi government for
facilitating Visas for the pilgrims.

Vice President Amissah said the Hajj is an
important religious obligation for every Muslim,
and that, government is working hard to ensure
that the people realise their dream.

Alhaji Ibrahim Rauf Tanko, Chairman of the
National Hajj Board assured that his outfit is
working with the Saudi embassy officials for the
Visas of the pilgrims to be processed on time.

He said they have also made arrangements for the
accommodation of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Abdullah Naeef, Deputy Head of Mission, Saudi
Arabia Embassy, presented a plaque to President
John Dramani Mahama, to cement the relationship
between Ghana and Saudi Arabia Airways.

Besides, UniBank Ghana Limited has also donated
5,000 hand bags to this year’s Hajj to enable
the pilgrims to keep their valuables.

Source - GNA

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