Approximately 6,000 Ghanaians are expected to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam this year. The first batch of over 400 Muslims has already left Accra for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage, after a delay caused by technical issues.
Alhaji Rahman Gomda, the Communications Director for the Hajj Board, confirmed that the initial flight departure was successful and that the remaining flights to the Kingdom would be scheduled for the upcoming days departing in waves.
Gomda added that the Saudi authorities issue quotas for each country and Ghana had a quota of 6,000 this year. Last year’s quota was significantly lower, at 3,069, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hajj is a significant pilgrimage for Muslims and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to complete the spiritual journey. Last year, Saudi Arabia limited the number of pilgrims visiting Mecca to just a few thousand people due to the pandemic.
However, with the easing of travel restrictions worldwide, more pilgrims are now able to embark on the journey to Mecca this year, and the Ghanaian Muslim community is delighted to be part of it.
The Ghanaian community is strictly following all the COVID-19 protocols during the pilgrimage, ensuring that everyone is safe throughout the spiritual journey.
The Hajj board is urging all pilgrims to maintain social distancing guidelines and wear face masks at all times to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which remains an ever-present threat.
In summary, the Ghanaian community is proud to be part of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, and the prompt departure of the first wave of pilgrims is a positive step towards ensuring the success and safety of the pilgrimage.
