The first group of 425 Ghanaian Muslim pilgrims from the northern regions of the country has arrived safely in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to take part in the 2025 Hajj.
The pilgrims were flown directly from Tamale’s Yakubu Tali International Airport (TIA) to Jeddah on Saturday, May 10. Additional pilgrims will depart in successive batches in the coming days.
This year, approximately 6,000 pilgrims are expected to travel from Ghana to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, marking an increase of 2,000 pilgrims compared to the 4,000 who participated from northern Ghana last year.
Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Interim Hajj Taskforce, was joined by Northern Regional Minister Adolf Ali John, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, and other government officials in bidding farewell to the pilgrims at the airport.
Alhaji Dauda urged the pilgrims to maintain discipline and respect the laws of Saudi Arabia to ensure a successful spiritual journey. He reassured them that measures had been put in place to guarantee their safety and security while in the holy land.
He also highlighted that arrangements had been made for the pilgrims to receive daily meals throughout their stay in Medina and that quality hotels had been secured for their stay in Mecca.
Minister Muntaka wished the pilgrims a safe and peaceful journey, emphasizing that the interim Hajj taskforce had ensured all necessary provisions for their comfort.
He encouraged the pilgrims to pray for peace and stability in Ghana to foster national development.
The Northern Regional Minister also provided guidance on the necessary preparations for a successful Hajj. Several pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements made by both the Hajj agents and the committee, ensuring a smooth pilgrimage.
