The National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, has taken on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over what he describes as their hypocrisy and misinformation regarding the Hajj Village project.
Speaking on the issue, Mr. Gyamfi clarified that President John Dramani Mahama is not building a new Hajj Village, as alleged by the NPP. He explained that the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), a company limited by shares, is undertaking the project as a purely commercial venture, in collaboration with a private partner.
He pointed out that the Hajj Village has existed for years, but its infrastructure deteriorated, making it unsuitable for use by Muslim pilgrims. It is, therefore, the Airport Company’s decision to renovate the old site and construct a new facility that would not only serve Hajj purposes but also generate revenue for the company.
According to Mr. Gyamfi, the project is being designed to serve multiple purposes beyond the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which lasts for only about six weeks each year.
The facility will include: a terminal and dormitory for travelers, particularly those affected by flight delays, office spaces that can be rented or sold by the Airport Company, three conference rooms to host events, lectures, and retreats, retail shops and business spaces for commercial activities and a sports complex with an AstroTurf for various sporting activities, including tennis.
By integrating these features, the project is expected to become self-sustaining and contribute to the revenue of the Airport Company, rather than being a burden on the government.
Mr. Gyamfi accused the NPP of contradicting themselves, noting that while they claim to have initiated the Hajj Village project, they also turn around to falsely accuse President Mahama of using state resources to build it.
“If you lie that your key is not missing, you will sleep outside,” he said, using a popular Ghanaian proverb to illustrate the NPP’s dilemma.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi further compared the Hajj Village project to the controversial National Cathedral, arguing that while the National Cathedral was a personal promise made by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Hajj Village is a commercial initiative by the Airport Company to improve infrastructure and generate revenue.
Mr. Gyamfi also challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to publicly state his position on the project, given its significance to the Muslim community.
National Communication Officer, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi concluded by cautioning the NPP to accept their new reality as an opposition party and “relax because they will be in opposition for a long time.”
Story By Freedom Lavoe.
