Hajj 2027: PAOG dismisses claims of illegal medical screening fees

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana says mandatory medical screening for prospective Hajj 2027 pilgrims is a Saudi Arabian government requirement, urging applicants to disregard claims circulating on social media.

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has dismissed social media publications alleging that the Ghana Hajj Board is extorting money from prospective pilgrims through mandatory medical screening without approval from Saudi Arabia.

In a press release dated October 28, 2026, the PAOG described the allegations as false and misleading, insisting that the screening exercise is a requirement introduced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2026 as a prerequisite for visa acquisition.

According to the Office, the medical screening is not exclusive to Ghanaian pilgrims but forms part of a global exercise being implemented in countries that present pilgrims for the annual Hajj.

It said countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States are also undertaking similar exercises in compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations.

The PAOG explained that Ghana's participation in the exercise is intended to ensure compliance with international best practices and Saudi requirements while safeguarding pilgrims' health during the pilgrimage.

On the GH¢650 screening fee, the Office clarified that the amount is charged by accredited hospitals and medical facilities providing the services, rather than by the Ghana Hajj Board.

It said the Board's role is supervisory, ensuring that the exercise is conducted smoothly and in accordance with the standards established by the Saudi authorities.

The clarification follows the circulation of claims on social media questioning the legitimacy of the mandatory screening and the charges associated with it.

The PAOG has urged all prospective pilgrims for Hajj 2027 to disregard what it described as false publications and comply with the approved medical screening schedule.

The exercise commenced on October 3, 2026, in Tamale, according to the statement.

The Office reiterated the Ghana Hajj Board's commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of all Ghanaian pilgrims as preparations continue for the 2027 pilgrimage.

The statement was signed by the Communications Directorate of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.