MTN Ghana Supports Hajj Board, Prospective  Pilgrims

Hajj 2017
Hajj 2017

Accra, August 3, 2017//-MTN Ghana has handed over a renovated lodging area to the National Hajj Board to accommodate prospective pilgrims at the Hajj Village,  Accra before they depart to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj.

This follows a proposal from the Hajj Board seeking assistance to create a conducive and comfortable lodging place for the prospective pilgrims before airlifting  to Saudi Arabia to perform the religious rite.

The management of the leading telecom service provider-MTN Ghana responded positively to the Hajj Board’s proposal and spent a whopping amount of GH¢200,000.00 within three weeks to renovate the large lodging area for the prospective pilgrims.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims who have the means and of sound mind  are required to perform it once in their lifetime. It is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start fresh.

Besides the renovation of the lodging area , MTN Ghana has also supported the Hajj Board with a donation of communication devices worth GH¢30,000.00, airtime worth GH ¢1,500.00 and MTN products and services  to facilitate the work of the Hajj Board.

Speaking at a short presentation ceremony at the Hajj Village, General Manager in-charge of Distributive Trade at MTN Ghana, Abubakar Mohammed assured that MTN would set up Mobile Money stands at the Hajj villages in Accra, Tamale and Saudi Arabia to provide pilgrims with access to fast, secured and convenient money transfer services.

He said: “We hope these donations and support will make this year’s Hajj a memorable one”.  Mr Mohammed reiterated MTN’s commitment to supporting the activities of the Hajj Board in the country.

Mr Mohammed expressed MTN’s gratitude to the Muslim community, especially the National Hajj Board, for partnering with MTN over the past seven years to develop meaningful offers for Mecca pilgrims.

“For the prospective pilgrims this year, we wish you a safe journey to Mecca. May Allah receive all your prayers and bless you on every step you take on this holy journey”, Mr Mohammed stated.

He added: “On behalf of the management and staff of MTN, we pray that Allah’s blessings light your way, strengthen your faith and bring joy to your heart as you praise Him during this holy journey”.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Board,  Sheikh I.C Quaye expressed his appreciation to management of MTN for the commitment to supporting the Hajj Board and the Muslim community at large.

He said: “I pray that in the shortest possible time you (MTN) will recoup whatever amount you invested in this project. May you continue to shine anywhere you go!’.

MTN Ghana has been supportive of the Muslim community over the years. For the past 10 years, the company has consistently donated cash, food items, drinks and airtime to the National Chief Imam during the celebration of the EidulFitr festival.

As part of MTN’s 20th Anniversary celebrations last year, MTN Ghana made donations to the Regional Chief Imams in Ashanti, Western and Northern to support the celebration of this year’s Eidul-Fitr.

Sheikh I.C Quaye being assisted by MTN Ghana officials to cut the ribbon to open the lodging facility
Sheikh I.C Quaye being assisted by MTN Ghana officials to cut the ribbon to open the lodging facility

Meanwhile, the first batch of Muslims embarking on this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, will leave Ghana on August 10, 2017. According to the National Hajj Board, a total of six flights will fly directly from the Tamale International Airport to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia this year. Four flights flew directly from the Tamale airport to Saudi Arabia last year.

The additional two flights, according to the Hajj Board has become necessary considering the proximity of the Northern Regional capital-Tamale to surrounding regions such as Brong Ahafo, Upper East and Upper West regions with large Muslim population.

The other four remaining flights will fly from the Accra International Airport to the Arabian country. In all, a total of 6,200 prospective pilgrims will be allowed to perform the 2017 Hajj.

African Eye Report

 

 

 

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