Accra: The Ghana Hajj Taskforce, a committee responsible for managing the hajj in the absence of a formal hajj board, has successfully cleared approximately 60 per cent of a $5 million debt accumulated from previous hajj activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the debt was comprised of $446,933 owed to catering service providers, $4,429,260 for carrier flights, and about $533,333 for education and teaching services. Mr Alhaji Alhassan Bashir Fuseini, Head of Corporate Affairs for the Ghana Hajj Taskforce, confirmed the progress during an interview at a sensitisation workshop in Accra. He expressed optimism about settling the remaining debt, having reached an understanding with the creditors.
The workshop aimed to educate potential pilgrims on the rules governing Hajj rites, as well as provide guidelines on security arrangements and immigration laws in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A similar workshop was held for potential pilgrims in the northern part of Ghana.
Mr Seth Ibrahim Ayi, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Hajj Agents Association, highlighted that the process has been a learning experience for the newly appointed taskforce members. He emphasized the need for institutionalizing Hajj operations to prevent disruptions caused by changes in government.
Sheikh Suleiman Ahmed Mozu, a scholar, stressed the importance for every Muslim, and particularly Hajj pilgrims, to be knowledgeable about the religious rites, stating that education is central to the Hajj experience.