Government has announced that it will facilitate the organisation of a second trip to Israel for Ghanaian Christians following last year’s inaugural pilgrimage.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, stated that after the success of the previous year’s trip, plans have been put in place to fly out more Christians to the Middle East country.
He added that the fees which were charged pilgrims i 2017 would be maintained, meaning potential travellers would have to pay $2,700.
“This Ministry intends to facilitate another pilgrimage to the state of Israel but on a much broader scale and within manageable limits. As was done for last year’s pilgrimage, the rate remains the same and comes with the same package. The agreed fee per person remains $2, 700 or its equivalent in Ghana cedis,” he said.
“Last year, this Ministry facilitated a pilot pilgrimage to the state of Israel which, in our view, was largely successful and very beneficial, confirming in large measure, the importance of a pilgrimage in the life of a Christian.”
The Minister, however emphasized that government is only acting as a facilitator for the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims airlifted
In 2017, the government courted controversy when it stated that it would airlift 100 Christian pilgrims from Ghana to Israel and other parts of the Christian world on an annual basis.
The move according to government, was in response to a request by some Christian groups.
At the time, 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.
He also said there would be a “prayer at the Western Wall of the Temple of Jerusalem, visit to the Nativity Church of Bethlehem, renewal of baptismal promises in the river Jordan, ceremony of the awarding of Jerusalem Pilgrim Certificate.”
The Minister, however clarified that the amount that was requested by the government would cover plane tickets, hotel bills, food, drinks and bus fares of pilgrims
The first batch of pilgrims also included pastors, musicians and representatives of some religious bodies.
At the time, some Christian groups criticized the move saying government had no business in facilitating a Christian pilgrimage which is not mandatory on the Christian calender.
‘We want holidays too’
Some other religious groups who feel marginalised have begun to express some frustrations that their faiths don’t get the recognition given to the two largest religions in the country.
Last week’s two Easter holidays prompted African Traditional Worshipers in the Volta Region to call on the government to set specific days as national holidays for them as well.
They also asked the government to restore the pouring of libation at state functions as Christians and Muslims are given opportunities to express their faiths in the form of prayers
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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citinewsroom.com/Ghana