The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), under the Ghana Hajj Board, has defended the mandatory medical screening for prospective Hajj 2027 pilgrims, describing it as a requirement introduced by Saudi Arabia for visa acquisition.
In a press release dated October 28, 2026 and signed by the Board’s Communications Directorate, the Board dismissed social media publications alleging that it was extorting money from prospective pilgrims by imposing the screening without approval from the Saudi authorities.
The Board described the claims as false, insisting that the medical screening was introduced in 2026 by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as a prerequisite for obtaining a Hajj visa.
According to the Board, the exercise is not limited to Ghanaian pilgrims but is being implemented in countries around the world, including Nigeria, Senegal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
It said Ghana was complying with Saudi regulations and international best practices aimed at protecting pilgrims’ health during the annual pilgrimage.
The Board also clarified that the GH¢650 screening fee is charged by accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the service, rather than by the Hajj Board.
It explained that its role was supervisory, ensuring that the screening process was conducted smoothly and in accordance with Saudi standards.
The clarification follows the circulation of social media claims questioning the basis of the medical screening requirement and the fee charged to prospective pilgrims.
The Hajj Board urged all prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2027 to disregard what it described as false publications and comply with the mandatory screening schedule.
According to the statement, the exercise commenced on October 3, 2026, in Tamale.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims and advised those seeking further information to contact the secretariat of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.
