The government has unveiled a bold plan to make primary healthcare free for all Ghanaians starting in 2026, backed by a GH¢1.5 billion allocation in the national budget.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the initiative during the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, 1 December, saying the goal is to shift Ghana’s health system toward early detection and disease prevention.
Akandoh noted that nearly 80% of the country’s health demands fall within the primary healthcare space, making it an area that requires significant investment.
Under the new policy, the public will receive promotive, preventive, and basic curative health services at no cost. Authorities believe this will drastically reduce severe cases that overwhelm hospitals—particularly conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers, which often escalate due to late diagnosis.
The free primary healthcare programme will operate through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), a move the minister says will prevent duplication and ensure smooth access for patients.
As part of the rollout, the government plans to upgrade and retool primary health facilities, especially CHPS compounds, many of which currently lack essential equipment. According to the Minister, more than half of frontline facilities require urgent improvements, and the 2026 budget has made provisions to address these gaps.
The initiative also ties into broader reforms targeted at strengthening Ghana’s health sector, including better financing systems, expanded health workforce distribution, and enhanced preventive care across the country.