In a significant move to bolster Ghana’s health sector, the Ministry of Health has engaged with a delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss technical support for two flagship initiatives: the Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF).
The meeting, held in Accra, underscores the government’s commitment to eliminating financial barriers to healthcare access and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Ghanaians.
Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described the FPHC programme as a “transformative step” toward achieving equitable healthcare. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to remove user fees at the point of care for essential services, including preventive, promotive, and basic curative care. These services will be delivered through the country’s primary healthcare infrastructure, such as Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and polyclinics.
“The Free Primary Health Care programme is not just a policy—it is a promise to every Ghanaian that their health will not be compromised by their financial status,” Akandoh stated. “We are building a system that protects, empowers, and delivers.”
The Minister also highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a complementary mechanism to ensure sustainable financing for health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Leading the WHO delegation, Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Country Representative to Ghana, praised the government’s leadership and vision. She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to providing technical support for the successful rollout of both initiatives.
“These programmes are critical pillars in Ghana’s journey toward inclusive and accessible healthcare,” Dr Braka noted. “WHO stands ready to support Ghana in translating these bold commitments into lasting health outcomes.”
The engagement marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s health reform agenda, reinforcing the nation’s resolve to become a continental leader in health equity and innovation.
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