By Rachel Kakraba
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has clarified that the recently launched free primary healthcare initiative is not intended to operate as a separate system, but rather as part of the existing healthcare framework. This he said is to strengthen and expand services within the current health system, debunking suggestions that the policy is a parallel structure.
Mr. Akandoh, was speaking in an exclusive interview with GBCGhanaonline on the policy, which was launched by President John Mahama on Wednesday 16, April 2026, at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.
Under the initiative, which commences in 150 districts, particularly in underserved areas, access to services at health posts, CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics will only require the presentation of the Ghana card or any ID card which proves one’s Ghanaian identity.
It also includes intensified public education on healthy lifestyles, deployment of trained volunteers to support service delivery at health kiosks, and the introduction of home visits to enhance community-level care.
The health minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the recent uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund has made more resources available for enhanced healthcare financing.
“We are not duplicating anything, we are not reinventing the wheel. What we are saying is that as a result of the uncapping of the national health insurance, there’s more money. So the financing of this free primary healthcare, we’re not going to establish any parallel structure, the National health Insurance is still going to continue”
The policy he noted sets the country on the right path of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
“What we have realized is that all the countries that have achieved the Universal Health Coverage took a decisive decision to invest heavily in primary healthcare, and it is not by coincidence”
Adding on “what do we want to see when we say we have arrived at Universal Health Coverage? That is when irrespective of your status in community or society, irrespective of your location, irrespective of your ability to pay, you can assess quality healthcare”
Mr. Akandoh, said the Free Primary Healthcare initiative is a well thought through programme following extensive engagement with major stakeholders.
“This has been year’s work, we’ve thoroughly worked through and not rushed. It is something we have engaged stakeholders widely including the Ghana Medical Association, the Nurses Associations, the allied health professionals, CSOs, the media, parliament and everybody so we’ve come far”
He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders particularly the Christian Health Association of Ghana, CHAG for the support and collaboration.
The health minister reiterated that the policy is a game changer in preventive healthcare which will make the country’s health system very robust.
Some stakeholders in health have described the Free Primary Healthcare Policy as a bold and progressive intervention to improve the well-being of Ghanaians.
