The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has rejected allegations that the Ghana Hajj Board is extorting prospective pilgrims through mandatory medical screening, insisting that the exercise is a requirement imposed by Saudi Arabian authorities.
In a statement dated Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Office described social media publications questioning the legitimacy of the screening exercise as false and misleading.
“We wish to state categorically that these assertions are FALSE,” the statement said.
According to the PAOG, mandatory medical screening for prospective Hajj pilgrims was introduced in 2026 by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as a prerequisite for obtaining a visa.
The Office stressed that the requirement applies to pilgrims worldwide and is not an initiative exclusive to Ghana.
“It is a Global Exercise, Not limited to only Ghanaian pilgrims,” the statement said, adding that countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States were also implementing the screening.
The PAOG said Ghana’s participation was intended to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations and international best practices while protecting pilgrims’ health during the annual pilgrimage.
Addressing concerns over the GH¢650 screening fee, the Office clarified that the charge was collected by accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the service, rather than by the Ghana Hajj Board.
“The GH¢650 is charged by the accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the services, not by the Hajj Board,” the statement clarified.
It added that the Board’s responsibility was to supervise the process and ensure that the exercise was conducted smoothly and in accordance with Saudi Arabian standards.
The clarification follows the circulation of social media claims accusing the Board of imposing the medical screening requirement without approval from Saudi Arabia.
The PAOG has urged prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2027 to disregard the publications and comply with the mandatory screening schedule.
“We therefore urge all prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2027 to disregard the false publications and comply with the mandatory screening schedule which commenced on 3rd October, 2026 in Tamale,” the statement said.
The Office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims as preparations continue for the 2027 Hajj.
