Accra, Dec 17, GNA - The last batch of Muslim pilgrims are going through departure formalities at the Kotoka International Airport to embark on their trip to the Holy City of Mecca.

Although their number could not be immediately confirmed, they are estimated to be about four hundred.

The pilgrims who initially numbered 2700, had been stranded along the road between the Aviance Cargo Village and the Aviation Social Centre for well over a week, after paying over 22,000,000 cedis each to the Hajj Board for their trip.

The first batch, about 295 were airlifted on Sunday to Mecca by a chattered flight after which four other flights were arranged to fly them to Mecca.

Meanwhile, the airport at Jedah would be closed to flights at midnight Monday (today).