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Ghanaian pilgrims to Israel return home
Accra, Dec.3, Ghanadot/GNA - The National Planning Committee
in-charge of Ghanaian Pilgrims to Israel is going is to be
reconstituted to promote efficient service delivery to whip
up interest among the public.
Mr S. K. Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture who
announced this when he welcomed home eleven Ghanaians who
undertook the pilgrimage to Israel said the move had become
necessary since registration and awareness creation was slow
after the launch of the programme in April this year.
The programme was an initiative of the Ministry of
Chieftaincy, Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations in
conjunction with Sun Seekers and Star-line Travel and Tours
to send people to Israel, especially Christians to increase
their faith.
He said though the pilgrimage was scheduled for July this
year, it had to be postponed to November 16, due to low
patronage; "Letters were sent to various churches to inform
their congregations about the pilgrimage".
He said forty-three persons registered, including five
Parliamentarians who went through vetting after which their
visa were processed.
Mr Boafo said thirty-two persons qualified for visas and
were asked to pay 1,950 dollars each which catered for visa
fees, accommodation, local transportation and meals and
added that fourteen people paid the amount but three could
not participate.
He said the ministry would not allow fronting by any
individual or organisation, adding; "I wish to emphasize
here that this will not be tolerated.”
Apostle Ofosu Anim, spokesperson for the pilgrims recounted
some wonderful experiences and adventurous engagements,
especially visits to places like Jesus' birthplace, his
father's carpentry shop, Canan where he did his first
miracle (turning water into wine), river Jordan and the Dead
Sea.
He observed that though Jerusalem was a rocky city,
inhabitants were able to farm using the irrigation systems,
which exemplified hard work and encouraged Ghanaians to be
patriotic in service to humanity.
GNA
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