To enhance the experience of Muslim pilgrims from Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama led the groundbreaking ceremony to construct a permanent Hajj Village in Accra.
This facility, developed by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), aims to enhance the experience of Ghanaian Muslims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage by providing a more organized and dignified environment before their departure to Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj Village is designed to function as an airport terminal, facilitating check-in and other pre-departure processes for pilgrims. Importantly, the project is being financed entirely by GACL through its internally generated funds, ensuring that no taxpayer money is utilized.
During the ceremony, President Mahama reflected on past challenges faced by pilgrims, such as inadequate facilities and overcrowding, and emphasized the importance of the new Hajj Village in addressing these issues. He also announced plans to airlift 5,000 Ghanaian pilgrims to Mecca in the coming year.
The Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended the president for his long-standing dedication to improving the aviation sector.
These, he said, included the construction of Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport, the building of the Tamale airport to directly airlift hajj pilgrims, and the construction of the Ho airport, which would be used for training.
The interim Board Chair of the Ghana Hajj Task Force, Alhaji Collins Dauda, described the president as a blessing to the Muslim community, as he has shown dedication to improving the living standards of the Muslim community.
He explained that from his days as vice president, the president has been of immense benefit to the Muslim communities, as he was instrumental in getting Muslims a temporary hajj village near EL-Wak stadium and reducing hajj fares for pilgrims.
Facilities within the Hajj Village will include a mosque, ablution areas, accommodation for pilgrims, a health centre, a market, catering services, immigration desks, and check-in counters. The goal is to streamline the departure process, allowing pilgrims to complete all necessary formalities at the village before being transported directly to their flights.
The project is expected to be completed within 24 months, with the new facility anticipated to significantly improve the Hajj experience for Ghanaian Muslims.
