Accra, Feb. 4, GNA - The National Hajj Committee on Friday held strategic discussions with the Hajj Agents Association to map out modalities for an incident-free 2011 pilgrimage to Mecca.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency after the meeting, Alhaji Alhassan Bene, Chairman of the National Hajj Committee, said all 2011 potential pilgrims would have to fill an application form in order to control the payment system and inject sanity into the process.

"We have also entered into an agreement with some banks to

provide a 2011 Hajj Customized Pay-In-Slip to fast-track the

banking procedures for potential pilgrims and also ensure that the

process is not hindered by any manoeuvring," he said. Alhaji Bene said currently the National Hajj Committee had

opened the processes for applying for 2011 pilgrimage and the

process is expected to end in August. He advised potential pilgrims and all stakeholders to start

processing their travel documents and deposit the Hajj fee, which is

currently fixed at 3,100 dollars. Alhaji Bene said all prospective pilgrims could also make

payments by instalments and assured all members of the Muslim

community of a better organized 2011 Hajj. On the fate of 2010 failed pilgrims, the Hajj Committee Chairman

said: 93We have refunded monies to over half of the number who

have opted out whilst the rest who have expressed interest in 2011

pilgrimage will be offered a first chance to travel." The National Hajj Committee also apologised to the more than

300 pilgrims who could not be lifted to Mecca last year to perform

the Hajj. The Hajj Committee commended the office of the National Chief

Imam, the Government and Muslim leaders for the support and

cooperation during the difficulty it encountered in lifting last year's

pilgrims.