African leaders sponsoring pilgrimages
Politicians have over the years paid for food and transportation for prospective Hajj and Jewish pilgrims. In Ghana, the government’s decision to sponsor Christian pilgrims to Israel and other destinations in 2017 was met with wide criticism.
When the John Mahama-led administration decided to send some pastors on a spiritual trip to the holy land of Israel in 2013, many saw the move as a form of “thank you” to his spiritual leaders. For the present administration to reconsider a similar move was seen as not only unnecessary but a waste of taxpayer’s money.