First Batch of Pilgrims Departs from Tamale for Hajj 2024

# Hajj 2024: First Batch of 427 Pilgrims Airlifted from Tamale International Airport to Mecca

## First Batch of Pilgrims Departs from Tamale for Hajj 2024

The first batch of 427 pilgrims for this year’s Hajj has been successfully airlifted from Tamale International Airport to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This marks the beginning of a significant journey for these individuals as part of the approximately 4,000 pilgrims expected to embark on this sacred pilgrimage from Ghana.

## The Significance of Hajj in Islam

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring every Muslim to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the globe gather in Mecca to perform Hajj, which is both a spiritual and physical journey of faith. This year, the cost for a Hajj ticket is approximately GHC 75,000 per passenger.

## Departure from Tamale International Airport

The first of nine scheduled flights for this year’s Hajj departed from Tamale International Airport in the Northern Region on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The last of the four flights from Tamale is expected to leave on Friday.

### Board Chairman’s Address to Pilgrims

In his address to the pilgrims, the Board Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, emphasized the importance of vigilance against individuals who attempt to join the pilgrimage without following the legal processes. He stated:

> “We know a lot of people didn’t do business with the Ghana Hajj board, they went on their own, they didn’t take visas from the board and some of them as were airlifted to Saudi Arabia, they’ll come and plead with us to give them accommodation where we sleep.

"I want to plead with you that it is illegal to help these people. Let’s try to be good ambassadors and whatever you may need in Mina or Mecca, the team from the Hajj Board will be there to help you.”

### Ensuring Comfort and Support for Pilgrims

Banda assured the pilgrims that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure their comfort during their stay:

> “Your accommodation is ready and you’re going to be given two square meals a day.”

### Message from the Northern Regional Minister

The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Saibu, who inaugurated this year’s Hajj, urged the pilgrims to represent Ghana well with exemplary behavior during their stay in Mecca. He extended his best wishes for a peaceful and successful pilgrimage.

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### Conclusion

As the first batch of pilgrims embarks on their journey to Mecca, we wish them a fulfilling and spiritually enriching Hajj. The careful preparations and guidance from the Hajj Board and regional authorities aim to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all pilgrims.

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