The Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Radio, Kumasi, and Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Muslim Peace Committee, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, has renewed his appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that Hajj pilgrims from Ghana's middle belt are airlifted directly from Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi for the 2027 pilgrimage.
Sheikh Ridwan, who has championed the call for over a decade, said the time was ripe for the government to provide leadership and finalise all necessary aviation arrangements, as the Ghana Hajj Board prepares to announce its schedule for the 2027 season.
He noted that aviation and airport officials had indicated, following the recent expansion of Prempeh I International Airport, that medium-sized aircraft with a capacity of about 300 passengers or fewer could safely operate from the facility, making direct Hajj departures a practical possibility.
According to the Alpha Radio CEO, direct departures from Kumasi would spare pilgrims from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western North and neighbouring regions the long and often hazardous road journey to Accra or Tamale.
He also cited recurring congestion, accommodation shortages and sanitation challenges at the Accra Hajj Village as additional grounds for establishing an alternative departure point.
Sheikh Ridwan, therefore, appealed to the President to direct the Ghana Hajj Board, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Airports Company Limited and airline operators to collaborate towards making Kumasi a Hajj departure hub in 2027.
He stressed that the government's substantial investment in refurbishing Prempeh I International Airport should translate into tangible benefits for citizens, including the thousands of pilgrims from the middle belt.
He expressed confidence that decisive action would improve safety, dignity, efficiency and convenience for all intending pilgrims.
