The first batch of Hajj pilgrims are expected to arrive in Tamale today, Thursday September 22.

The Administrative Secretary to the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Alhaji Mohammed Osman Manaf, said the Tamale International Airport was ready to receive Ghanaian pilgrims scheduled for the four return flights to Tamale after the end of the Hajj 2016 pilgrimage a couple of days ago in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Administrative Secretary, a series of meetings have taken place amongst stakeholders to make sure every single mechanism is put in place to help maintain and consolidate the monumental achievements realised during departure from Tamale to Saudi Arabia.

Over 5,000 Ghanaian Muslims made the trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year's pilgrimage. However, 39 persons, all women, were repatriated. A few were also unable to make the trip.