Hajj 2024: Orientation for Pilgrims held in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale

As part of measures to ensure a smooth and stress-free Hajj operation and ensure the welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims this year, the Ghana Hajj Board, led by Chairman Ben Abdallah Banda and Alhaji Farouk Hamza, in collaboration with accredited Ghana Hajj Agents, held the second edition of Hajj orientation for prospective pilgrims.

The orientation, held at the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Hajj Village in Accra, aimed to equip prospective pilgrims, especially first-timers, with knowledge on how to perform Hajj and the dos and don'ts of the pilgrimage.

The session provided essential information on the Hajj journey, including how to conduct oneself during the stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to maintain the image of the Hajj Board and Ghana.

Prospective pilgrims were advised to receive the Yellow Fever vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccine before embarking on the journey to the Holy Land. Meeting these health requirements is crucial due to the unique health concerns of each country, ensuring that pilgrims protect themselves from potential infections.

Last year's Hajj operations were described as the smoothest and most stress-free in the history of Ghana's Hajj operations, earning Ghana high respect from other countries. Both the Chairman and his Executive Secretary have assured Ghanaians of another successful Hajj operation this year.

Addressing the participants, Executive Secretary Dr. Farouk Hamza stated that measures have been put in place to ensure a stress-free Hajj, similar to the previous year. He emphasized that security measures will prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing areas where Ghanaian pilgrims are camped.

Dr. Hamza also mentioned that the Ghana Hajj Board has provided qualified doctors and nurses to address the health-related needs of Ghanaian pilgrims from Madina to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Chairman Ben Abdallah Banda reiterated that prospective pilgrims were educated on basic Hajj rituals, forbidden items outlined by Saudi authorities, and the processes they will go through at the Hajj Village before departure. He assured that all Ghanaian pilgrims will receive two meals daily during their stay in Madina, Mecca, and Mina, and that their hotels are conveniently located near the Mosque of the Holy Prophet in Madina.

Similar orientation programs were held in Kumasi and Tamale. These programs included spiritual education from the Daawah Committee, covering supplications, intentions, and other religious practices. The Medical Department of the Hajj Board also instructed pilgrims on how to maintain their health and access available medical facilities during their month-long stay in Saudi Arabia.

The orientation program also provided an overview of Hajj 2024 to prepare pilgrims for the religious exercise. Given the extreme heat during the pilgrimage, medical personnel advised pilgrims on the importance of staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water and educated them on the risks and prevention of heat stroke.

Activities at the Hajj Village, the control center for pilgrimage operations, are in full swing. Stakeholders are scheduled to inspect the location ahead of the commencement of flights from both Accra and Tamale. Flights from Tamale will begin on May 28 and end on May 31, while flights from Accra will start on June 2 and end on June 6, totaling nine flights from both locations.