National Tymes News Desk
THE Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has raised concerns over what it describes as unprofessional and irresponsible media practices in the coverage of the ongoing 2027 Hajj Mandatory Medical Screening, particularly the unauthorised taking and sharing of photographs of prospective pilgrims and accredited Hajj agents.
The Office has cautioned journalists, bloggers and citizen journalists against the indiscriminate publication of pilgrims’ pictures on social media and other media platforms without their consent, warning that such practices raise serious concerns about media ethics, privacy and respect for human dignity.
In a press release dated October 27, 2026, and signed by its Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, PAOG said it had received complaints from some accredited Hajj agents and prospective pilgrims over the manner in which their photographs had been circulated online.
The concerns have brought into focus the need for responsible journalism, particularly when reporting on sensitive activities such as medical screening, where individuals’ privacy and dignity must be treated with the utmost respect.
While acknowledging the media’s contribution to publicising the screening exercise, which began in Tamale on October 3, the Office expressed concern that some reports had fallen short of the professional standards expected of journalists.
The indiscriminate publication of people’s photographs without their knowledge or consent is an irresponsible practice that can expose them to unwanted attention, embarrassment and other privacy concerns.
Journalists and bloggers are therefore expected to exercise sound judgment and seek the necessary permission before taking or publishing identifiable images, particularly in sensitive settings.
PAOG stressed that media freedom must go hand in hand with professional responsibility and respect for the rights of individuals.
“The PAOG Communications Directorate wishes to commend the media for their invaluable support. However, it wishes to remind reporters, citizen journalists and bloggers of the need to adhere to the PAOG code of ethics, professional ethics and responsibility in their reportage,” the statement said.
PAOG Warns Against Unauthorised Pictures and Interviews;
The Office has consequently urged media organisations, freelance journalists, bloggers and citizen journalists to stop taking and sharing photographs of prospective pilgrims without the necessary authorisation.
It also advised journalists to seek clearance and verification from the Communications Directorate before reporting on matters relating to the medical screening exercise and other activities of the Office.
“Please desist from taking pictures and granting interviews without approval or verification,” the statement warned.
The caution serves as a reminder that responsible journalism goes beyond taking photographs, recording events and posting content on social media. Journalists must consider the privacy, dignity and welfare of the people they cover rather than prioritising sensational images or online engagement.
PAOG further urged media practitioners to verify information before publication and to engage the appropriate authorities for clarification to prevent misleading reports.
The Office also reminded prospective pilgrims to provide complete and truthful information about their medical histories, existing health conditions, medications, treatments and relevant lifestyle factors to enable medical personnel to make proper clinical assessments.
It assured prospective pilgrims that their medical information would be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable requirements for protecting personal health information.
Medical Screening Continues in Nalerigu;
Meanwhile, the 2027 Hajj Mandatory Medical Screening, being conducted in line with requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Health, continues in Nalerigu in the North East Region.
According to PAOG, seven of the eleven scheduled screening venues remain outstanding, with a mop-up exercise planned after November 16.
The exercise began in Tamale on October 3 and is scheduled to continue in Yendi from October 30 to 31, Salaga from November 2 to 3, Wa from November 6 to 12, and Techiman from November 15 to 16, 2026.
The PAOG Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, and the Hajj Board expressed appreciation to accredited Hajj agents, medical experts and prospective pilgrims for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Prospective pilgrims are required to pay GH¢650 before undergoing the screening and have been advised to report at their designated venues on time to prevent overcrowding and unnecessary delays.
The Office’s warning to the media underscores the importance of ethical reporting throughout the screening exercise, with journalists expected to provide accurate and responsible coverage without compromising the privacy and dignity of prospective pilgrims.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
