Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed the Ghana Health Service to take decisive steps towards implementing the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, aimed at ensuring all citizens can access essential healthcare services without financial barriers.
Speaking at the Ghana Health Service’s 2026 First Senior Managers’ Meeting, Mr Akandoh said the success of the initiative would depend on effective implementation, strong supervision, quality healthcare delivery and improved patient experiences across the country.
He urged regional and district health managers to assess their preparedness for the programme and address gaps in service delivery. The minister also called for stronger referral systems, the elimination of informal charges and greater use of data to support decision making and improve accountability.
Mr Akandoh stressed the need to strengthen primary healthcare services to improve patient safety and reduce pressure on hospitals. He said the programme should be treated as a practical intervention rather than a political slogan.
“Free Primary Healthcare must be approached as an implementation programme, not as a slogan,” he told health managers.
The minister expressed confidence in the Ghana Health Service’s ability to lead the rollout of the programme and help deliver the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.
He also urged health managers to leave the meeting with a shared commitment to implement the programme with discipline, urgency and accountability.
