2018 Hajj: Mahama's GHC31 million debt nearly collapsed pilgrimage - I. C. Quaye

Chairman for the National Hajj Board, Sheik IC Quaye has disclosed that it would have been impossible for the current administration to organize the 2017/2018 pilgrimages without the GHC31 million-debt left by the previous government.

Addressing pilgrims at the Hajj Village on Sunday, the board chair said the current administration attaches some importance to Hajj hence its move to ensure pilgrims are able to embark on the holy journey.

Sheik IC Quaye said government has also kept the fare at GHC15, 000 just like that of 2017.

He said the actual fare is GHC19,500.00, but government has absorbed GHC4,500.00 of the cost to enable more pilgrims to perform the Hajj.

He indicated that there was also an increase in social amenities as well as accommodation, transport, flight fares, catering and general service fees, but with the reduction of taxes and interventions, Ghanaian pilgrims are paying the lowest fare.

The first batch of 435 prospective pilgrims left Tamale Airport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nine flights have been scheduled to take-off from the Tamale Airport.