The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has dismissed allegations that it is extorting money from prospective Hajj pilgrims through a mandatory medical screening exercise, insisting that the requirement was introduced by Saudi Arabia for visa acquisition.
In a press release dated October 28, 2026, the Hajj Board described social media publications suggesting that the screening was being imposed without Saudi approval as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) Ghana Hajj Board has been drawn to false and mischievous publications circulating on social media that the Hajj Board is extorting money from prospective pilgrims by imposing a mandatory medical screening without Saudi Arabia’s approval,” the statement said.
“We wish to state categorically that these assertions are FALSE.”
According to the Board, the mandatory medical screening was introduced in 2026 by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa to undertake the pilgrimage.
“The mandatory medical screening for all prospective pilgrims is a prerequisite for visa acquisition which was introduced in 2026 by Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
The Board stressed that the exercise was not limited to Ghanaian pilgrims but was being implemented in countries across the world.
“It is being carried out all over the world, in Nigeria, Senegal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, UK, USA and every country that presents pilgrims for Haji,” it stated.
It added that Ghana was complying with the requirements to protect pilgrims’ health during the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
“Ghana is only complying with international best practice and Saudi regulations to protect the health of pilgrims during Hajj,” the statement added.
Addressing concerns about the cost of the screening, the PAOG clarified that the GH¢650 fee was charged by accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the service, rather than by the Hajj Board.
“The GH¢650 is charged by the accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the services, not by the Hajj Board,” it said.
“The Board only plays a supervisory role to ensure the exercise is conducted smoothly and according to Saudi standards.”
The Board urged prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2027 to disregard the publications circulating on social media and comply with the 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 PAOG reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims.
“The Hajj Board remains committed to transparency, accountability and the welfare of all Ghanaian pilgrims,” the statement concluded.
The press release was signed by the Communications Directorate of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, which provided its secretariat contacts for further enquiries.
Read the statement below
