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Pilgrimage to Israel is not a scam -
S.K. Boafo
Accra, July 23, Ghanadot/GNA - Mr Samson Kwaku Boafo,
Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture on Monday assured the
public that the organised pilgrimage to Israel by the
Ministry was not a scam.
He therefore urged the public to get interested in the
programme and take advantage of the opportunity to visit the
Holy Land.
Mr Boafo gave the assurance at the press conference,
explaining that it appeared the public was sceptical about
the whole package.
Giving a background, he said on April 19 this year, there
was a press launch by the sector Ministry in collaboration
with the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Affairs to
promote Ghanaian pilgrimage to Israel.
He said the idea of resuming the annual pilgrimage to Israel
was initiated by Nana Owusu Nsiah, Ghana's ambassador to
Israel.
The Minister said Ghana had been banned from organising
pilgrim tours to Israel because most people who went on the
tour absconded, however measures had been put in place to
ensure that those who will take the tour return to Ghana.
Mr Boafo said the target for people who want to embark on
the pilgrimage were people who are 40 years and above.
He announced that the registration fee for the programme was
GHC2,000 (20 Million cedis), which included arrangement for
flights, sightseeing, accommodations as well as meals, but
was quick to add that the money was non-refundable.
He said about 100 pilgrims were expected to make the trip
for eight days and seven nights in the Holy Land for the
maiden tour which would be in September this year.
"From childhood to adulthood we have heard so much about
Mount Zion, Jordan River, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem,
Galilee etc. this is an opportunity to see and feel these
places as being on earth and not in the skies somewhere."
GNA
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