The first group of 430 Ghanaian pilgrims has departed from Tamale International Airport to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
The inaugural flight took off at 11:18 a.m., marking the official start of the 2026 Hajj airlift.
According to the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), operating under the Ghana Hajj Board, nine flights are scheduled to depart from Tamale between Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 9, 2026.
More than 3,000 pilgrims are expected to travel during this period, with each flight carrying an average of 345 passengers.
At the launch ceremony, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John commended the Hajj Board for its smooth organisation of the exercise. He described the pilgrimage as a key pillar of Islam and a rare spiritual opportunity every Muslim hopes to fulfil at least once in a lifetime.
He urged the pilgrims to demonstrate discipline, humility and respect throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia, while also stressing the need to obey laws, cooperate with authorities and adhere to safety guidelines.
“You carry not only your personal faith but also the image of our nation. Let your conduct reflect the values of peace, tolerance and unity that Ghana is known for,” he said.
Head of Documentation at PAOG, Alhaji Muntala, described the departure as historic and praised the dedication and professionalism of Hajj agents and staff for ensuring a successful operation.
