Accra, July 23, GNA - Mr Samson Kwaku Boafo, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture on Monday assured the public that the organised pilgrimage to Israel by the Ministry was not a scam.

He therefore urged the public to get interested in the programme and take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. Mr Boafo gave the assurance at the press conference, explaining that it appeared the public was sceptical about the whole package. Giving a background, he said on April 19 this year, there was a press launch by the sector Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Affairs to promote Ghanaian pilgrimage to Israel.

He said the idea of resuming the annual pilgrimage to Israel was initiated by Nana Owusu Nsiah, Ghana's ambassador to Israel. The Minister said Ghana had been banned from organising pilgrim tours to Israel because most people who went on the tour absconded, however measures had been put in place to ensure that those who will take the tour return to Ghana.

Mr Boafo said the target for people who want to embark on the pilgrimage were people who are 40 years and above.

He announced that the registration fee for the programme was GHC2,000 (20 Million cedis), which included arrangement for flights, sightseeing, accommodations as well as meals, but was quick to add that the money was non-refundable.

He said about 100 pilgrims were expected to make the trip for eight days and seven nights in the Holy Land for the maiden tour which would be in September this year.

"From childhood to adulthood we have heard so much about Mount Zion, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Galilee etc. this is an opportunity to see and feel these places as being on earth and not in the skies somewhere."