Ghana’s new Hajj Village almost complete

The New Hajj Village, located between the Accra Polo Grounds and the Kotoka International Airport is almost completed to provide temporary accommodation to pilgrims going for the “Hajj” before they are airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

The new Village, became necessary because of the crash of Allied Cargo Plane crash, near the Elwak Stadium last June.

The facility is equipped with washrooms among other facilities.

Mr Alidu Haruna, Public Relations Officer of the National Hajj Committee told journalists on an inspection of progress of work  that it would be ready for use before the arrival and camping of the pilgrims who would be performing this year’s Hajj.

“We’re ready to airlift people to Saudi Arabia,” Mr Haruna said, adding that the committee was in the process of procuring visas for the pilgrims. He said it would be better for pilgrims who are privately procuring their  visas to join those being processed by the Committee.

He said the Hajj was about a month-long event, and advised pilgrims against going on a shopping spree before the main event, spending all their travelling money and becoming a burden on other pilgrims.

People with chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes should have their medical records intact,, he said, adding that drugs and cola were not allowed on the Hajj. “They attract the application of Sharia Law,” the PRO said.

Mr Haruna said veils in the Ghanaian colours would be given to identify pilgrims from Ghana.

He commended Ghanaian pilgrims for their good  conduct over the years, adding ” Hajj is a happy event. Let’s continue to be good ambassadors.”

Source: GNA