The Hajj Village project has been at the center of controversy, with many speculating that public funds were being utilized to support the facility. However, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, has categorically clarified that the project is a purely commercial venture undertaken by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Addressing concerns about its financing and management, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the project is driven by business considerations rather than government subsidies or political influence.
“The Hajj Village is purely a commercial project. The Ghana Airports Company Limited saw that they have a certain clientele, so they are tailoring services to meet that clientele with the ultimate objective of making a profit and generating dividends for their shareholder, which is the government,” he explained.
Kwakye Ofosu drew parallels with GACL’s successful undertaking of similar projects, such as Terminal 3, where the company invested $276 million to build its balance sheet and attract funding from financial institutions.
He also highlighted the exclusive VIP lounge at Terminal 3, which generates revenue from upper-class members of society.
He further justified the Hajj Village project as a strategic move by GACL to capitalize on the recurring annual pilgrimage. “They created that niche market to generate revenue. So, they realized that this is an annual ritual where thousands of people pass through their airport, and they should build it [the village] to charge some fees,” he stated, dispelling speculation surrounding the project’s financing and management.
Story by Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
