The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the rollout of Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme in 135 districts across all 16 regions of the country. Speaking at a press conference to mark the commencement of the programme, the Minister said the initiative is a key component of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector reforms. He explained that the programme is designed to shift healthcare delivery from hospitals to communities, with a stronger focus on prevention, early detection and timely intervention.
Mr Akandoh said the government’s initial objective is to extend the programme to 150 underserved districts, with the remaining 15 districts expected to be brought on board by the end of the year. The Ministry’s broader target, he added, is to ensure that every part of Ghana has access to free primary healthcare by the end of 2027.
According to the Minister, significant preparations have been made since the programme was launched in April 2026. These include the training of health workers and the provision of additional resources and equipment to strengthen primary healthcare facilities.
He disclosed that more than 24,500 pieces of equipment had already been distributed to Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics to support the implementation of the programme.
The Ministry has also received 5,000 health worker bags equipped with basic tools for house-to-house healthcare services. Mr Akandoh said additional supplies are expected to arrive in the coming weeks as the programme expands. The Minister said the government is also expecting more than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles to facilitate the movement of health professionals into communities.
Under the programme, 4,574 health facilities are currently participating, comprising 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics. Facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and other partners are also included.
The Minister stressed that Free Primary Healthcare is not free universal hospital care, explaining that the programme covers services delivered at the primary healthcare level, including CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics.
The Minister clarified that the initiative is not intended to replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but rather to complement it by easing the burden of preventable and treatable conditions on the scheme. He explained that residents in the 135 implementing districts do not need an NHIS card to access services under the programme. Beneficiaries can simply register at participating facilities and receive care.
Hon. Akandoh cautioned health workers against charging patients for services covered under the programme, stressing that the Ministry will investigate reports of unauthorized payments and take disciplinary action where necessary. He encouraged residents in the participating districts to take advantage of the programme by seeking preventive care and screenings instead of waiting until illnesses become severe.
He also announced dedicated hotlines for the public to report complaints and concerns about the Free Primary Healthcare programme. Telecel users can call 06447, while MTN subscribers can dial 05444 46447 for assistance and to lodge complaints.
