The controversy surrounding the Hajj Village project has taken a new turn, with evidence emerging that the previous Akufo-Addo government had made provisions for the project.
According to Parliamentary proceedings of July 2018, the government had allocated funds for the construction of a Hajj Facility, which was part of the Phase 2 Project of the Tamale International Airport.
The project, which includes a Passenger Main Terminal, Hajj Facility, Access and Secondary Roads, and other infrastructure, was designed to promote domestic air travel and provide a national hub for aviation in West Africa.
The development of the Tamale Airport was also expected to boost eco-tourism and cultural tourism in the region.
However, the current government, led by President John Mahama, has been criticized for cutting sod for an ongoing Hajj Village project, which was being executed by the Akufo-Addo led government.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the government’s actions, stating that the Hajj Village is primarily an Airport Terminal Building owned and being built by the Ghana Airport Company, with no taxpayer money involved.
Critics argue that the Ghana Airport Company is a state-owned entity, and therefore, the government’s claim that no taxpayer money is involved is misleading.
The controversy has also highlighted the apparent double standards of some Christians who opposed the construction of the National Cathedral during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu has further clarified the government’s position, stating that the Ghana Airport Company is in the business of developing and managing air travel facilities for profit, and the Hajj Village is one such facility.
However, the controversy surrounding the project continues, with many Ghanaians expressing outrage over the use of state funds for the project.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
