Hamat NK. Bah, The Minister Of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs
By Ramatoulie Jawo
For the first time in history, all Gambian pilgrims performing the Hajj will be accommodated in a single four-star hotel, the Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, has announced.
Speaking at the State House in Banjul after Eid prayers during a meeting with Banjul Muslim elders, Minister Bah attributed this milestone to the leadership of President Adama Barrow.
“We thank God that this year, under the directive of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, all Gambian pilgrims will be housed in a five-star hotel, just a two-minute walk from the Kaaba in Mecca and from Medina. This has never happened before in our history,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the difficulties faced by Gambian pilgrims in previous years, explaining that they were previously scattered across 17 different locations, which complicated access to medical care.
“In previous years, doctors struggled to reach all the pilgrims in time. It could take them between 24 and 36 hours to attend to everyone. In cases of emergencies or evacuations, proper assessments could not be conducted due to the scattered accommodations,” he said.
Comparing the situation to neighboring countries, Minister Bah noted that Senegal, with 13,000 pilgrims, and Nigeria, with over 100,000, have always ensured their nationals stay in a single location for better coordination. The Gambia, with only 2,000 pilgrims, had previously housed them in multiple locations, making medical and logistical support challenging.
Under this new arrangement, Gambian pilgrims will not only benefit from improved accommodations but also enhanced access to healthcare and logistical support.
“Our pilgrims previously faced challenges regarding food, as they had to purchase their own meals despite the costs they incurred. This year, we will bring our own ingredients and travel with dedicated cooks to ensure that our pilgrims receive meals that suit their preferences,” he added.
Minister Bah also announced a reduction in the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for the first time in Gambia’s history, expressing gratitude to the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all stakeholders who contributed to making the initiative a success.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all those who contributed to this process. We commend you for your dedication and hard work,” he stated.
Additionally, he informed President Barrow that all outstanding balances for the Hajj pilgrimage have been settled, ensuring a smooth process for the pilgrims.
Minister Bah also acknowledged the role of The Gambia International Airlines in facilitating the transportation of pilgrims.
“The Gambia International Airlines, which will be responsible for transporting our pilgrims, is a government agency. Any revenue generated from this process will ultimately benefit the country,” he concluded.