By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined government’s healthcare reforms aimed at expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare across Ghana.
He said the government’s health agenda was focused on equity, quality and sustainability, with efforts being made to increase coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking at the opening of the 28th Annual Scientific Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA), on Monday, August 24, 2026, President Mahama said NHIS coverage currently stood at about 76 per cent.
He said government was targeting 90% coverage to bring more Ghanaians under the health insurance system.
President Mahama also highlighted the government’s free primary healthcare programme, which he said had so far been introduced in about 160 of Ghana’s 260 districts.
According to him, the programme is aimed particularly at helping people in rural communities access basic healthcare without financial difficulties.
“We are pursuing free primary healthcare so that cost does not prevent people from receiving essential care at the point of need,” he said.
He explained that the programme would complement the NHIS and help Ghana move closer to achieving universal health coverage.
Support for chronic disease patients
President Mahama also mentioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which he said was designed to support people living with chronic and high-cost medical conditions.
He said the fund would help reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.
The President further called for increased local production of medicines as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s health security and reduce dependence on imported medical products.
He said Ghana’s health sector must also continue to improve professional standards, ethics and public trust.
“Health sovereignty does not mean isolation. It is the capacity to meet our people’s needs confidently, competently, and through mutually respectful partnerships,” President Mahama said.
He stressed that stronger regulation, cooperation among African countries and the responsible use of technology were necessary to build safer and more reliable healthcare systems.
“Responsive regulation must bridge innovation and public confidence,” he added.
President Mahama said government would continue to work with health professionals and other stakeholders to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that Ghanaians can access essential services when they need them.
