By: Charles Ampong

The former Abirem Electoral area Assembly Member in Ashanti region,who is also card bearing member of the ruling party,
(NDC),Mr.. Abdul Fatawu Yahaya, has lauded the president, John Dramani Mahama for his foresight for the establishment of Hajj Village.

Abdul Fatawu Yahaya

He said those, who are trying to equate it with the National Cathedral project,should be properly be educated in order to see the difference between the two.

In an interview, Mr Abdul Fatawu Yahaya said this comparison is not only misplaced but also tantamount of promoting religious bigotry.

He explained that, Ghana is one of the few countries in the world where religious tolerance is fully prevailing and ‘we must not do anything that could spark divisions between Christians and Muslims”.

According to him, Hajj Village is embodied with the principle for money, investment returns and corporate social responsibility..
Therefore, according to former Abirem Assembly member, the Hajj Village is going to offer a clear path to generate revenue.

According to him, the annual Hajj pilgrimage generate huge amount of money for the government that contributes significantly to nation’s growth and development.
He explained that, in line with this, government investing in Hajj Village project to generate revenue for the state is a step in right direction and must be commended instead of bombardment from the critics.

He said many Ghanaians pilgrims sometimes, had to use Togo and other neighbouring countries on their journey to Mecca, which is more affordable.

The former Assembly member said the government considered all these factors together with the need of improving the facilities at the Hajj Village in order to attract local pilgrims to patronize the facility.

According to him, unlike the National Cathedral, which financial viability remains unknown, the Hajj Village project promises a guaranteed return on investment.