To balance how much the government of Ghana spends annual on Muslims to get them to Mecca on the annual pilgrimage, Hajj–the government will start sponsoring Christians annually to pilgrimage.
Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday in Accra, saying, “his ministry has set up two separate committees namely, Planning and Screening Committees, to oversee the operations of Christian pilgrimage in the country.”
“Let me assure you that we intend to have an eventful pilgrimage. In view of this, the ministry has set up two sub-committees which are the Planning and Screening Committees which are composed of members of recognised Christian bodies,” he added.
Via DailyGuide Ghana:
He explained that government was in talks with the state of Israel to ensure that a special quota is given to Ghanaian pilgrims.
“Once the initial programme is successful in accordance with the key indicators, the Republic of Ghana shall be given a quota for subsequent pilgrimages. It is necessary that we secure an understanding of the quotas,” the minister stated.
He indicated that “…the initial and agreed fee for the pilgrimage per person is $2,700,” cautioning interested pilgrims not to make payment to any individual or organisation except the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
On the highlightS of the programme for the pilgrimage, the minister disclosed that there would be daily prayers and meditation at important and significant sites mentioned in the Bible, boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, worship on MT Camel, the mountain of the prophet Elijah, renewal of wedding promises in the Church of the Miracle of Cana.
Also, the minister said there would be “prayer at the Western Wall of the Temple of Jerusalem, visit the Nativity Church of Bethlehem, renewal of baptismal promises in the river Jordan, ceremony of the awarding of Jerusalem Pilgrim Certificate.”
Mr Kofi Dzamesi pointed out, “The pilgrimage programme of the ministry is not to the State of Israel only, but would cover countries where Christian pilgrimages are undertaken.”