Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has officially opened the National Hajj Village for the 2014 Hajj pilgrimage in Accra.

This year, a total of 5,524 pilgrims would embark on the Hajj, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Tuesday, September 16 – 27, 2014.

The cost per person embarking on the Muslim religious pilgrimage is GH¢9,900.

Besides, 500 pilgrims would be airlifted from the Kotoka International Airport each day for twelve consecutive days by the Saudi Arabia Airways to Saudi Arabia.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, who was accompanied by Sheikh Dr Nuhu Sharabutu, the National Chief Imam, Officials of the National Hajj Board and other Muslim clergy, toured the various facilities at the National Hajj Village.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur, speaking at the function, commended the various government agencies such as the CEPS, Immigration Service, Food and Drug Authority and private institutions among others for working to ensure a successful Hajj this year.

He also applauded the Saudi government for facilitating Visas for the pilgrims.

Vice President Amissah said the Hajj is an important religious obligation for every Muslim, and that, government is working hard to ensure that the people realise their dream.

Alhaji Ibrahim Rauf Tanko, Chairman of the National Hajj Board assured that his outfit is working with the Saudi embassy officials for the Visas of the pilgrims to be processed on time.

He said they have also made arrangements for the accommodation of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Abdullah Naeef, Deputy Head of Mission, Saudi Arabia Embassy, presented a plaque to President John Dramani Mahama, to cement the relationship between Ghana and Saudi Arabia Airways.

Besides, UniBank Ghana Limited has also donated 5,000 hand bags to this year’s Hajj to enable the pilgrims to keep their valuables.