President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the Ghana Pilgrimage Office and the Hajj Committee are working ahead of schedule to make this 2014 Hajj pilgrimage a “better organized one than last year.”
According to the President, though “last year’s Hajj was well executed,” Ghana “would see an even better one this year” because of the “foreign arrangement s and efforts being put into this year’s Hajj.”
He therefore urged Ghanaians to contribute and cooperate fully to make this year’s pilgrimage a “successful” one.
Speaking at the 2014 edition of Eid-Ul Fitr prayers at the Kumasi Central Mosque,the President revealed that payment for the 2014 Hajj pilgrimage will end on August 8, adding that the Hajj Committee has made arrangement with the Bank of Ghana to “hold down the announced prices for the pilgrimage until August 8.”
“Everybody who wants to perform the Hajj this year, if you want to get it at the advertised rate then you should pay before August 8. After August 8 the Bank of Ghana cannot guarantee that you will get it at the same fare,” the President stated.
Regarding the visa processing for the pilgrimage, the President asked prospective pilgrimmers to “make payments early so they can process their visa on time”
Hajj pilgrimage is one of the world’s largest gatherings that offer Muslims around the world an opportunity to participate in one of Islam’s five pillars of faith.
The pilgrimage, which is held annually at Mecca and Saudi Arabia is also one of the greatest observances in Islam.
By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana