The first batch of 437 pilgrims from this year’s Hajj in Mecca, on Saturday arrived at the Tamale Airport..
The plane carrying the pilgrims made up of 264 females and 173 males landed at exactly 4:00am with a Saudi Airline.
They were met on arrival by family and friends as well as some members of the National and regional Hajj Board amidst jubilation.
The Secretary to the National Hajj Board, Abdul-Malik Adam Gariba told Radio Ghana in Tamale that the pilgrims were picked from the Tamale Airport to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium where they went through the arrival formalities before they were dispatched to their various destinations.
Mr. Gariba said the second batch of about 437 pilgrims is expected Saturday night at the Tamale Airport
He said the 2,226 pilgrims who were airlifted from Tamale to Mecca are all expected to land at 9pm.
He said this year’s Hajj was an improvement compared to the previous years and commended the Government, the National Hajj Board and other stakeholders for making the journey a success.
Mr. Gariba indicated that no death was recorded from pilgrims who were airlifted from Tamale to Mecca and attributed the feat to the mercies of Allah the great one.