UAE to cover Hajj expenses for 344 Ghanaian pilgrims in 2027

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced plans to cover the Hajj expenses for 344 Ghanaian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj season. This generous initiative is a testament to the strong friendship and people-to-people ties between the two nations, spearheaded by the UAE's President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The symbolic gesture, involving a dummy cheque presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, was a collaborative effort between the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Dr Abdulla AlMandous, and the Deputy Head of Mission, Khalifa Almehrzi, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The event was attended by key figures including the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, and the Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Ibrahim Tanko.

The 344 beneficiaries, chosen through the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, will be able to embark on the spiritually significant journey of Hajj, a dream shared with many in their families and communities. The UAE statement highlighted that for many, performing Hajj is a long-held aspiration, shared with their families and communities. This initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to humanitarian support and its tradition of making a tangible difference in people's lives.

The official statement from the UAE emphasized that the gesture is in line with the nation's values of generosity, tolerance, and compassion, reflecting the spirit of its interaction with communities worldwide. The sponsorship comes as part of the UAE's enduring commitment to bilateral relations with Ghana, characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and a wide range of ties extending beyond diplomacy and commerce.

For the 344 beneficiaries, this sponsorship represents more than just a pilgrimage; it symbolizes the fulfillment of a deeply held aspiration and a tangible expression of the friendship between the peoples of the UAE and Ghana.