The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the commencement of a nationwide mandatory medical examination and screening exercise for all intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

The exercise is scheduled to begin in February 2026 in the Upper East Region and end on March 4, 2026, in the Greater Accra Region. It is being conducted in collaboration with designated medical teams across the country to ensure nationwide coverage and accessibility.

A statement signed by PAOG and copied to The Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday said the exercise formed part of measures to safeguard public health and ensure the successful participation of Ghanaian pilgrims in the holy pilgrimage.

According to the statement, the screening will be carried out at selected medical facilities in the Upper East, North East, Upper West, Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions to make the process accessible to pilgrims nationwide.

PAOG explained that the medical screening forms a critical component of preparations for the 2026 Hajj, given the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage and the need to protect pilgrims from preventable health risks.

“Only pilgrims who successfully complete and pass the screening exercise will be cleared to proceed with subsequent Hajj processes,” the statement said.

The comprehensive medical assessment will include general physical examinations, screening for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, a review of individual medical histories, and an evaluation of each pilgrim’s fitness for long-distance travel and strenuous religious rites.

PAOG noted that the process was aimed at ensuring pilgrims are medically fit to undertake the journey and can withstand the rigours associated with Hajj activities.

The office stressed that the medical screening is mandatory for all intending pilgrims without exception, including those who paid directly to PAOG and those who registered through accredited Hajj agents.

As a result, accredited agents have been urged to promptly inform their pilgrims of the exercise and ensure strict adherence to the assigned dates and designated medical centres.

Pilgrims attending the screening will be required to present a copy of their passport or Ghana Card and pay a subsidised medical examination fee of GH¢650.00. They have also been advised to report early and cooperate fully with medical personnel to facilitate an orderly and efficient process.

PAOG further called on key stakeholders, including accredited Hajj agents, religious leaders and community heads, to support the exercise through effective public education and compliance, to avoid congestion and confusion at the screening centres.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and efficiency, PAOG assured the public that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and credible medical screening exercise in preparation for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.