The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative in the Western North Region, reaffirming government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by ensuring every Ghanaian has access to quality primary healthcare without financial hardship.
The regional rollout featured a radio sensitization programme and stakeholder engagements with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), district health directors, medical superintendents and other health professionals.
Addressing stakeholders, Hon. Akandoh explained that the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) are complementary interventions designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system. He noted that the initiative, currently being rolled out in 150 districts, aims to shift the country’s focus from sick care to preventive healthcare through the retooling of hospitals, health centres and CHPS compounds, as well as the introduction of health kiosks.
The community launch was held at Sefwi Akontombra, while the regional launch and presentation of medical equipment took place at the Western North Regional Health Directorate in Bodi. Hon. Akandoh announced that the Western North Region is among three regions earmarked for new regional hospitals under the 2026 Budget and disclosed plans to establish a polyclinic in one of the districts.
He further revealed that more than 100 medical doctors have been deployed to underserved regions, including 15 to Western North, with measures introduced to motivate health workers. To improve healthcare delivery, the Minister handed over 76 categories of medical equipment, including ECG and ultrasound machines, patient monitors, hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, infusion pumps, microscopes, nebulizers and delivery beds. He also announced that 7,000 motorbikes have been procured for nationwide distribution to support outreach in remote communities.
Western North Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Paulina Appiah, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the medical equipment, assuring government that it would be properly maintained and utilized. Regional Minister Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s full support to ensure successful implementation.
The Western North engagement forms part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide stakeholder sensitization and regional rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and accelerating Ghana’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.
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