Accra, Dec. 11, GNA - The Government on Tuesday expressed concern over the present travelling problems facing this year's prospective Hajj pilgrims to Mecca in spite of positive assurances by the organizers. A statement issued by the Office of the Vice-President and signed by Mr R. K. Angsomwine, Secretary to the Vice-President, said government was worried about the present state of affairs and was collaborating with the Interim Hajj Management Council to remedy the situation.

It assured all pilgrims, the Muslim Community and Ghanaians at large that the government would do its utmost to preserve the interest of its citizens at all times, particularly "at this difficult time". The statement said government was asking for maximum cooperation and understanding as the situation was being tackled within the limitation of the time constraint.

The would-be pilgrims have been sleeping in deplorable conditions on the street from the Aviance Cargo Village at the Airport to the Aviation Social Centre since last Friday waiting for the arrival of their flights.

The Jeddah Airport would be closed by Friday, December 14.