TAMALE — The Northern Regional Secretariat of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has lauded the Ghana Airport Company Limited and the Hajj Taskforce for their high-level preparations toward the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, set to commence in the coming weeks.
The commendation came after a fact-finding visit by a delegation from the NDC regional office, led by Deputy Regional Secretary Mr. Saaka Ziblim, to inspect facilities and logistics at the Tamale International Airport, the designated departure point for pilgrims from the northern sector of Ghana.
“So far, I’m very satisfied. The environment is very conducive and clean. I can confidently say we are ready for the Hajj,” Mr. Ziblim told journalists after the tour.
“I want to commend the airport management and the Hajj Taskforce for the tremendous work they have done. This year’s Hajj is going to be the best yet.”
During the visit, airport officials walked the delegation through the comprehensive procedures that pilgrims will undergo prior to boarding their flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the operational plan, Mr. Clifford Eyisi Appiah, the Northern Regional Airport Manager, stressed the importance of coordination between Hajj agents and airport authorities.
“There is no arrangement to keep pilgrims at the airport for days or weeks,” Mr. Appiah cautioned.
“We are appealing to Hajj agents to give their clients accurate information, particularly about departure schedules. We don’t have facilities here to accommodate early arrivals or long waits.”
He added that agents must ensure that pilgrims arrive only on their scheduled travel days to avoid unnecessary congestion and discomfort.
This year’s Hajj, expected to see hundreds of Ghanaian Muslims fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam, will once again highlight Tamale’s central role in the national pilgrimage process.
Hajj Operations in Tamale
Tamale became an official Hajj departure hub in 2016 following the expansion and modernization of the Tamale International Airport.
Since then, it has significantly eased the burden on pilgrims from the northern regions, who previously had to travel to Accra to board flights.
The move was historic and well-received, as it not only decentralized Hajj operations but also brought economic activity and prestige to the Northern Region.
Over the years, the city has hosted several thousands of pilgrims, with improvements in coordination and logistics noted annually.
The 2025 Hajj preparations, according to many stakeholders, reflect an even greater level of professionalism and readiness, a signal that the northern sector remains an integral part of Ghana’s spiritual and aviation landscape.
Report By: Fuseini Safianu Mandeya
