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Five Ghanaians have been confirmed dead after last Thursday’s stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Confirming the news on Accra-based Citi FM, Ghana’s Ambassador to that country, Alhaji Said Sinare, said eight more pilgrims had died, but were not related to the stampede.
“Some died in the clinics and others died while they were asleep, that is what I meant by natural causes. Some are very old. That is why I want to advise our people back home that anytime they want to perform the hajj, then it is better to get an extra ticket for someone who is very young to take care of them because it’s not an easy exercise. If you are not strong believe me, you will go down,” he added.
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The Ambassador also said 21 others could not be traced after a head count.
About 5,424 Ghanaians took part in this year’s pilgrimage.
At least 717 people taking part in the Hajj pilgrimage were killed in a stampede near the Islamic holy city of Mecca.
Another 805 people were injured in the incident at Mina, which occurred as two million pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj's last major rite.
They converge on Mina to throw stones at pillars representing the devil.
Preparations for the Hajj were marred when a crane collapsed at Mecca's Grand Mosque this month, killing 109 people.