The running mate of NPP, Dr Mahmoud Bawumia, is one of over five thousand Ghanaians leaving the country to the Islamic holy land of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Dr Bawumia is a former Bank of Ghana governor who shot into prominence since becoming running mate of Nana Akuffo Addo in the 2008 elections.

A statement signed by Dr. Bawumia’s press secretary, Kwabena Boadu said “while on the Pilgrimage, Dr. Bawumia will use the spiritual exercise to among others pray for the people and nation of Ghana and to request Allah’s blessing for Ghana.”

A total of 5424 Ghanaians are expected to embark on the Islamic holy pilgrimage this year. Dr Bawumia would be accompanied on the pilgrimage by his wife, Samira Bawumia.

A crane fell on the grand mosque in Mecca last Friday, killing over hundred and injuring more in the run up to this year’s hajj pilgrimage.