According to the Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, 425 fully paid pilgrims could not make it to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yet their monies were not refunded.

He said government had paid for the affected pilgrims to join this year’s batch of prospective pilgrims to the Holy Land of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia was addressing a durbar at the Tamale Sports Stadium ahead of the departure of the first scheduled flight for 8:30 pm, Thursday, August 10.

He urged the Pilgrims to serve as good Ambassadors of Ghana by complying with the rules of engagement by the host nation.

He assured the Pilgrims of three square meals in Madina and equal treatment when they are due to return home.

He added that buses will be made available at the doorsteps of Ghanaian pilgrims in Mecca to fast track their movement.

Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia commended the National Hajj Board for given the Hajj Village in Accra a major facelift.

He tasked the Board to remain focused and dedicated to the task ahead.

“This year’s pilgrimage is unique because government has committed enough resources into its organization. This is to avoid headlines making inconveniences.”

“The Hajj Board has established a website been complemented by print and electronic media. The medical team has also built a data base of the health conditions of all Pilgrims to keep track of their health statistics.’data base of the health conditions of all Pilgrims to keep track of their health statistics.’

The National Chief Imam, Dr. Alhaji Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, the Hajj Board Chairman, Sheikh I.C Quaye, Ministers of State and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

Five scheduled flights are to fly direct from the Tamale Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia beginning August 10.
–

By: Abdul Karim Ghana Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We’ve cleared accumulated Hajj debt – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The 35 officers have been trained on profiling of prospective Hajj Pilgrims, queuing, endorsement of forms and other simulation exercises.

The Regional Commander, Chief Superintendent Noah Ahomka Yeboah told Citi News that his men were prepared for the impending exercise.

“Given the numbers that we are expecting this year which is about twice that the Tamale Airport processed, it means that the onerous lies on us to ensure that our men are ready and prepared to handle the volumes that will come our way.”

“We have brought our men from the entry points who will be involved in the process to partake in the capacity building workshop.”

“What is critical is every year we turn to get other nationals trying to use Ghana passports to go. Most of them are our Fulani brothers who have lived in Ghana for years and they have the right to go on Ghana passports,” he disclosed.

According to him, six flights have been scheduled to depart the Tamale Airport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said 3,500 prospective Pilgrims are expected to fly direct from the Tamale Airport as compared to the 1,500 passengers for the 2016 Hajj.

Chief Superintendent Yeboah advised his officers to attentively discharge their duties in line with international standards.

He also admonished the prospective Pilgrims and their family relations to comport themselves at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

He said accredited Hajj Agents operating in the three regions of the north would also be trained to avoid any hiccups.

He said plans have been advanced to open three Immigration district offices at Bimbila, Salaga and Savelugu to increase officers’ presence in the region.

–

By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Immigration Service trains staff ahead of 2017 Hajj appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.