In line with his campaign promise, President John Evans Atta Mills has put the right facilities in place to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for Muslims this year.

The creation of a Hajj Village to accommodate would-be pilgrims prior to their departure to the Holy Land marks the beginning of better things to come for our Muslim brothers and sisters. It has become an annual ritual for would-be pilgrims to be stranded at the airport, awaiting their turn to book their flights to Saudi Arabia to perform one of the most important rites of Islam. In many cases, some of them never end up making the trip as a result of poor management of the whole event. As at now, there are many people who missed previous trips without a refund of their fees they paid to the authorities. It is unfortunate that in spite of all those problems, the previous administration could not turn things around for a hassle-free travel to Saudi Arabia for their pilgrimage.

Therefore, the commissioning of the village with modern facilities by the Vice President has shown the NDC government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens irrespective of political or religious affiliation.

It is the belief of The Catalyst that this good gesture would not become a nine-day wonder but an established system to alleviate the hardship of Muslims when it is time for their pilgrimage.

As the Vice President put it, Muslims, like any other Ghanaians, pay their taxes and contribute their quota to the overall development of the country, so they deserve the best.

As we all congratulate the President and wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a fulfilling pilgrimage, we hope that this gesture would bring to an end the annual “disappointment ritual” that has characterized this rather spiritual and blessed exercise.

Well Done Mr. President and let’s see more.