The first group of 430 Ghanaian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj has departed from Tamale Airport to the Saudi Arabia, leaving at 11:30 GMT on Friday and expected to arrive at 16:00 GMT.
In total, about 6,000 pilgrims are scheduled to travel from Ghana across 18 flights between May 1 and May 18.
Ahead of departure, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John and officials of the Ghana Hajj Board met with the pilgrims and wished them well. Hundreds of relatives and well-wishers also gathered at the airport to see them off.
The Board’s Communications Director, Mohammed Amin Lamtey, assured that arrangements have been put in place for a smooth pilgrimage, including deploying an advance team to receive pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He noted that pilgrims will spend three days in Madina before continuing to Mecca, with improved communication systems introduced this year.
Ali Adolf John urged the pilgrims to respect the laws of Saudi Arabia and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Ghana, emphasising values of peace, tolerance, and unity.
