The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has instructed the Ghana Health Service to take concrete steps toward rolling out the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
The initiative seeks to remove financial barriers and ensure that every Ghanaian can access basic healthcare services when needed.
Speaking at the Ghana Health Service’s 2026 First Senior Managers’ Meeting, Mr Akandoh said the programme’s success would depend on effective execution, strong supervision, high-quality healthcare services, and better patient experiences across the country.
He encouraged regional and district health managers to evaluate their readiness for the programme and quickly address any weaknesses in service delivery.
He also urged them to strengthen referral systems, stop informal charges, and make better use of health data to improve decision-making and accountability.
The minister emphasised the importance of building a stronger primary healthcare system. According to him, improving care at the community level will enhance patient safety and ease the burden on hospitals.
“Free Primary Healthcare must be approached as an implementation programme, not as a slogan,” he told health managers.
Mr Akandoh expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service’s ability to lead the implementation process and support the government’s goal of achieving universal health coverage.
He further called on health managers to leave the meeting with a united sense of purpose. He urged them to carry out the programme with commitment, urgency, discipline, and accountability to ensure its success and improve healthcare access for all citizens.
