Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme is now operational in 135 districts across all 16 regions, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced.
The rollout represents a major step in the government’s effort to make basic healthcare more accessible, particularly for people living in underserved communities.
The programme, which was launched in April 2026, is designed to shift Ghana’s healthcare system towards prevention, early detection and community-based care, rather than relying mainly on patients visiting health facilities after becoming ill.
Government targets 150 districts by end of 2026
Speaking on the progress of the initiative, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the government is determined to extend the programme to 150 districts by the end of 2026.
The current 135 districts represent more than half of Ghana’s 216 districts, with all 16 regions having districts participating in the first phase.
The government has also set a broader target of achieving nationwide coverage by the end of 2027.
According to the Health Minister, the programme is currently being delivered through 4,574 health facilities across the country.
The participating facilities include Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres and polyclinics. Faith-based facilities operated by organisations including the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission are also part of the implementation network.
The inclusion of these facilities is intended to widen access to primary healthcare and ensure that more communities can benefit from the programme without having to travel long distances for basic medical services.
Focus on prevention and early detection
A key feature of the Free Primary Healthcare programme is its emphasis on preventive healthcare.
Health workers are expected to take services directly into communities through outreach programmes and house-to-house visits. These activities are intended to identify health problems early and encourage residents to seek appropriate treatment before their conditions become severe.
The programme covers preventive, promotive and basic curative services, including screening and treatment for common conditions such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infections and diarrhoea.
The government has also received about 5,000 healthcare kits containing basic equipment to support health workers conducting community and household visits.
The first phase of the programme has deliberately focused on districts considered to have greater healthcare needs.
The Upper West, Upper East, Oti and Western North regions are among the areas where implementation began, with the government seeking to reduce disparities in access to essential healthcare.
The approach is intended to ensure that people in communities with limited access to healthcare facilities can receive essential services closer to where they live.
Health workers warned against charging patients
The Health Minister has also warned healthcare workers against demanding payment from beneficiaries for services covered under the Free Primary Healthcare programme.
Mr Akandoh urged members of the public to report any health worker who attempts to charge for services that are supposed to be provided free of charge.
He indicated that the government would investigate complaints and that health workers found violating the policy could face sanctions, including suspension.
The government is also considering the voluntary recruitment of additional health professionals to support permanent staff involved in the programme.
According to the Minister, the arrangement is intended partly to provide an opportunity for qualified health professionals who are currently waiting for permanent recruitment to contribute to the delivery of primary healthcare.
Those who participate in the voluntary arrangement could also be given priority when a major permanent recruitment exercise is undertaken.
Free primary healthcare does not mean free hospital care
The programme is focused specifically on primary healthcare and should not be interpreted as making all healthcare services at hospitals free.
The government has explained that the Free Primary Healthcare programme operates mainly from CHPS compounds through health centres and polyclinics. More specialised and referral-level services remain covered under other health financing arrangements, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The government sees the initiative as complementary to the NHIS, with the emphasis on prevention and early treatment expected to reduce the pressure on the health system over time.
Ghana moves towards preventive healthcare
The expansion of Free Primary Healthcare marks a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to healthcare delivery.
Rather than waiting for people to become seriously ill before they seek treatment, the programme seeks to bring healthcare services directly into communities and households.
With 135 districts already covered and government targeting 150 districts by the end of 2026, attention will now turn to how effectively the programme is implemented, whether communities receive the promised services and how quickly the remaining districts can be brought on board.
The ultimate target is nationwide coverage by the end of 2027.
