Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has arrived in Accra on Sunday from Mecca, Saudi Arabia after performing this year's Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj.

He was welcomed at the Kotoka International Airport by the Chief Imam, Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and other leaders of the Muslim community. 

Also on hand to welcome him were government officials including Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development.

In brief remarks, Dr Bawumia indicated that he and the other participants in this year’s Hajj had prayed and continue to pray for the nation and her citizens, especially the President.

“We dedicated our prayers to the continued peace, unity and prosperity of our beloved country. We will continue to pray for the growth and success of our dear nation, especially in this holy period.”

He expressed his appreciation, as well as that of the Muslim community, to the Chief Imam, “who has continued to provide leadership and guidance to us all. May Allah grant him long life and health.”

The Vice President also expressed his appreciation to King Salman, ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, for the warm reception accorded to Ghanaian pilgrims during the Hajj.

"They made us very welcome and treated us very well,” he said.

He was accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia as they joined thousands of Ghanaians and millions of Muslims around the world in performing this year’s Hajj.

Performing Hajj, at least once in the lifetime of every Muslim, is one of the five pillars of Islam and fulfils one of the conditions for total submission to the will of Allah.