The first batch of 500 pilgrims out of a total of 1,500 from the Northern, Upper West and Upper East Regions of Ghana are expected to make the flight to Jedda, Saudi Arabia.
The new arrangement to fly the pilgrims direct from Tamale to Jedda forms part of efforts by the government to reduce the stress that pilgrims go through before embarking on the holy Pilgrimage to Mecca.
According to the Hajj committee, 5,424 pilgrims are expected to be flown to the holy city this year by August 31.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the National Hajj Committee, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey, told local radio they were adequately prepared for the trip.
A total of 11 flights will be made this year to get the pilgrims to Mecca. The three northern regions will have three flights while the south will have eight flights via the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/News Ghana
