The first batch of Ghanaian pilgrims were airlifted Wednesday morning at the Tamale Airport to perform this year’s pilgrimage in Mecca.

About 492 pilgrims left with Boeing 747-400 aircraft in the Northern region.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Hajj Board in the region, Alhaji Eliasu confirmed to Class News that, a total of 2,800 prospective pilgrims are expected to fly directly from Tamale to Mecca from Wednesday, 24 July to Sunday, 28 July 2019 in six batches. He disclosed that, about 6,000 Muslims are expected to leave the shores of Ghana for Hajj this year.

Addressing the media after bidding farewell to the pilgrims, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Salifu Saeed said flying from the Tamale Airport has brought a great relief to the government and the National Hajj Board. He recounted the inconveniences and frustrations prospective pilgrims had to endure before embarking to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the minister, delay of flights to airlift pilgrims are a thing of the past and argued that, all scheduled flights now arrive on time. He lauded the Hajj Board for the swift preparation adding that “Everything is smooth, timely, the flight came on time; they prepared the pilgrims and did the checking in time and even their bags and logistics were given to them three days even before time.”

Mr. Saeed prayed for the pilgrims to have a successful Hajj and anticipated an incident free Hajj.

For his part, the Interior Minister, Mr. Ambrose Dery charged the pilgrims to respect the laws of Saudi Arabia and obey the rules and regulations governing the Hajj. He advised them to exhibit the hospitality Ghanaians are known for and implored them to pray for the peace and security of the country.