Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - The first batch of 268 Muslim Pilgrims who undertook the 2010 Hajj arrived in Accra this morning from Mecca aboard an Egypt Air flight, after completing their pilgrimage. Hajj officials said eight more flights were expected to fly in the remaining Pilgrims.

Mr Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, met the Pilgrims on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport and welcomed them on behalf of the government.

"Congratulations on a successful Hajj and it is our prayer that God guides you safely to your homes," he said. A number of pilgrims interviewed said they had a trouble-free trip. "We were able to go through all that we needed to in order to perform the Hajj and that is what is most important," Chief Baba Issah told the GNA. "We are thankful to the government for the assistance given to us for our pilgrimage to be successful."

Zainabu Amin also described the trip back as "very smooth" and expressed her appreciation to the government for being of great assistance to them. About 2500 Muslim Pilgrims took part in the annual Islamic Hajj from the latter part of October to early November. The first batch left Accra on October 25. 01 Dec. 10