Muslim youth calls for probe into 2007 Hajj

Accra, April 3, GNA - The Concerned Muslim Youth on Thursday called on the government to set up a committee of enquiry to probe circumstances that led to the crisis in handling the 2007 Hajj pilgrimage. This is necessary to forestall the recurrence of the crisis, Mr Halidu Haruna, Coordinator of the group said at a press conference in Accra.

"If the government is involved in the welfare of its citizens, why is it refusing to institute an investigation despite persistent calls by the Chief Imam, Islamic scholars and some Parliamentarians?" he asked. Mr Haruna also questioned the 1.2 million dollars Alhaji Rasheed Bawa, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said was spent on airlifting the stranded pilgrims. He expressed regret about the death of the 17 year-old student of Adisadel College, Mustapha Gafaru and called for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts of the tragedy.