The Government of Ghana has pumped a whooping $3.9million into this year’s Hajj pilgrims, the Ghana Hajj Board has disclosed.
The chairman of the board, Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye made the disclosure at a press briefing held on Monday, 6th June, 2022 in Accra.
“The president, his Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo is this year supporting us with $3.9million to facilitate our activities towards this year’s Hajj pilgrims at Saudi Arabia,” the board chairman, Sheikh I.C Quaye said.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the president for the immensed support extended over the past years.
“I wish to acknowledge the immense support and confidence that president Nana Akufo-Addo and the vice president, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia have reposed in the Hajj Board over the past five years and counting,” he stated.
Speaking on preparations towards the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the chairman also disclosed that, a substantial fare have been arrived for all Ghanaians.
“The Hajj Board Ghana, however, has pulled out all the stops to make the financial expenditure much more accommodating. Again, we emphasize that with government’s help and assistance, we have been able to arrive at a Hajj fee of GH¢39,000.
“Which as you can all check on the internet, is significantly lower than that of Nigeria and Niger and other countries by as much as $1000,” he stated.
The board chairman also stated, “We were officially informed of Ghana’s participation in Hajj 2022 and our official quota of 3069 was communicated to us. This is a much reduced quota from that we enjoyed in 2019,”
He, however, assured Ghanaians that all relevant and vital measures have been put in place to ensure successful pilgrimage.
“I as chairman led a delegation to Saudi Arabia las month, upon where we signed all necessary agreements with Hajj officials of Saudi Arabia, to ensure that out preparedness to airlift Ghanaians pilgrims is acheived with the optimum advantages for Ghanaians. In that respect, accommodation, catering and transportation have all been duly organised,” Sheikh I.C Quaye assured the public.
By: Nicholas Akussah
