John Dramani Mahama, the President of the African nation of Ghana, was at the airport see of Muslim pilgrims from his country leaving for Mecca to perform this year's Hajj.

President Mahama went to the Hajj Village at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra to officially bid a farewell to the pilgrims. He also prayed for the blessings of Allah upon them for a peaceful Hajj. He prayed for the safe journey to the holy place in Saudi Arabia and for their safe return to the country.

President Mahama discussed the history of Hajj in Ghana and recalled that late President John Evans Atta Mills had in 2008 discussed with him the need to improve the facilities and other aspects relating to muslins performing the Hajj. He also said that the government has intervened to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and had set up a committee in 2013 to ensure pilgrims' safety and convenience.

"We then started with the Hajj village at the El Wak Stadium, and now, the Ghana Airports Company has given us this land, and it has been good so far," said the President. He also pointed out that the Hajj kept getting better every year with the government working to ensure safety and convenience of the pilgrims.

President Mahama expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ambassador to Ghana, who also attended the ceremony.