Second batch of Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims departs Jeddah for Tamale

The Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, on behalf of the government, has expressed gratitude to God for the general safety of Ghanaian pilgrims during this year's Hajj, as they begin their journey back home after a successful pilgrimage.

Ghana's official contingent to this year's pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, comprised about 4,000 pilgrims. Thousands died during the Hajj including eight Ghanaians amid a severe heat wave sweeping through Saudi Arabia

The first set of Ghanaian pilgrims left Jeddah for Tamale on Wednesday, July 3, and the second group is scheduled to depart Jeddah this afternoon (Thursday, July 4), arriving in Tamale tonight.

Chairman Ben Abdallah Banda, accompanied by some members of the Hajj Board, saw off the departing pilgrims at the airport in Jeddah, assisting them with their departure formalities.

As the excited pilgrims awaited their flight, the Chairman and the board members interacted with them, sharing in their joy, thanking God, and praying for a safe return home. They also extended their prayers to the rest of the contingent, who are all scheduled to return home by early next week.

"We thank the Almighty Allah for a successful Hajj, and we wish you all a safe return back home," the Hajj Board Chairman said.

According to the flight schedule, there will be five flights to Tamale. With two already processed, the last flight to Tamale is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, the same day Accra's first flight will commence.

Accra is expected to have four flights, with the last one scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024.