The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has officially launched the government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Initiative in the Ahafo Region, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage without financial hardship for citizens.
The ceremony, held in Goaso in the Asunafo North Municipality, followed a similar rollout in the Western North Region a day earlier. It was combined with the distribution of medical equipment to health facilities across Ahafo.
Strengthening Healthcare Access
Hon. Akandoh explained that the FPHC Initiative, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) are complementary interventions aimed at building a stronger healthcare system. Under the initiative, treatment for ailments managed at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics will be provided at no cost to patients, fully financed by government.
Currently being rolled out in 150 districts, the program represents a shift from illness-focused care to prevention, early detection, and community-based healthcare. Nationwide coverage is expected by the end of 2028.
Investments in Ahafo
The Minister announced the posting of more than 252 health professionals to Ahafo, with an additional 30 to be deployed to fill critical vacancies. He appealed to local authorities to create a welcoming environment for the new staff, noting that government is developing incentive packages to encourage retention. Plans to construct a regional hospital and a regional medical stores facility by 2027 were also unveiled.
Tackling Workforce Challenges
Addressing Ghana’s health workforce recruitment backlog of about 100,000 qualified professionals, Hon. Akandoh outlined three strategies:
- Managed migration of nurses abroad.
- Recruitment into underserved communities.
- Review of admission quotas in health training institutions.
He noted that while about 35,000 students are admitted annually into health training institutions, government can employ fewer than 16,000 health workers each year, making reforms essential.
Community Outreach
During visits to the Amankwaakrom CHPS Compound and Sankore Health Centre in the Asunafo South District, the Minister announced that both facilities would receive motorcycles, tricycles, and additional medical equipment to improve service delivery. He reiterated government’s commitment to completing viable Agenda 111 health facilities and integrating them into the broader healthcare expansion strategy.
Protecting Frontline Workers
Hon. Akandoh called on the public to respect and protect frontline health workers, stressing that no individual has the right to assault or abuse professionals under any circumstances.
The launch marks another milestone in government’s efforts to build a more accessible, equitable, and resilient healthcare system for all Ghanaians, regardless of location or financial status.
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