Accra, Aug 3, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Monday denied media reports that government was politicising this year's Hajj He said government was only facilitating the pilgrimage to make the stay of the Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia comfortable. In an interview with the Castle Press Corps, at the Osu Castle, Mr Mahama said the committee organising the Hajj would reimburse the $ 200,000.00 government had committed to pre-finance accommodation in Saudi Arabia. He said if government had waited for the pilgrims to pay for their flight and other facilities for the annual pilgrimage they were likely to face accommodation difficulties in Mecca. Mr Mahama said people should not politicize the Hajj because it was a religious exercise that no one should make capital or profit from it. He urged persons who want to embark on the Hajj to complete all

requisite formalities to avoid rush. Mr. Mahama said the Saudi government had allocated 3,000 slots for

pilgrims from Ghana hence the need for them to meet the deadline. 03 Aug. 09