By Sarah Baafi
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has defended government’s proposed Free Primary Healthcare programme, insisting it is a carefully planned long-term intervention rather than an improvised policy, amid growing concerns about cost, implementation and sustainability.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Minister said the programme would require an estimated $1.2 billion annually to implement, adding that extensive financial projections have already been completed to guide its rollout.
“It is not an ad hoc programme or project. It is a long-term plan. We know what we are doing,” he said, stressing that the success of the initiative would depend more on execution than policy design.
He noted that while Ghana’s health sector is often criticised for weak implementation, the main challenge lies in delivery systems rather than policy formulation.
“The real challenge is not policy, it is execution,” he said, adding that systemic bottlenecks—some of which he described as “artificial”, continue to hinder reforms.
Mr Akandoh explained that the package will cover basic conditions such as malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory infections, as well as preventive and community-based health services. He clarified that the initiative does not replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but is intended to complement it.
“When you go to a primary healthcare facility and you are referred to a higher-level hospital, it does not mean everything becomes free everywhere. It will not happen,” he said, urging the public to manage expectations.
He stressed that the NHIS remains central to achieving universal healthcare coverage, with both systems expected to work alongside each other rather than as substitutes.
On staffing, the Minister rejected claims that Ghana lacks health professionals, arguing instead that the challenge is fiscal capacity and deployment efficiency.
“Our problem is not about the availability of health workers. That is not our problem,” he said, adding that recruitment will continue within budgetary limits while training capacity is expanded.
He also acknowledged infrastructure gaps, particularly in equipment and facility readiness, but said government is undertaking targeted procurement and expansion to improve access in underserved communities.
“We are buying more and building more. There is a deliberate effort to reach those places where there are none,” he said.
Mr Akandoh further cited ongoing administrative clean-up efforts within the sector, including the clearance of unclaimed containers at the port, following internal investigations and disciplinary action against responsible officials.
Despite concerns over funding and sustainability, he maintained that government remains committed to the programme.
“We are not giving false hope. We are being realistic about what the country can afford,” he said.
The Free Primary Healthcare programme is expected to be rolled out in phases, with further stakeholder engagement planned as implementation frameworks are finalised.
