Akandoh Launches Free Primary Healthcare in Volta Region

Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has launched Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) initiative in the Volta Region, describing the programme as a major step toward transforming the country’s healthcare system from one focused primarily on treatment to one centred on prevention, early detection, and community wellbeing.

The launch formed part of the Minister’s working visit to the region and brought together traditional leaders, health officials, local government representatives, civil society actors, and community members who pledged their support for the successful implementation of the initiative.

The programme is regarded as a key component of the government’s health sector reform agenda and is expected to improve access to essential healthcare services for millions of Ghanaians. Addressing stakeholders during the event, Hon. Akandoh said the initiative represents a deliberate shift in healthcare delivery.

“Our healthcare system has become overly reliant on sick care. The Free Primary Healthcare initiative is a key component of our reset agenda to build a more comprehensive, preventive, and people-centred healthcare system that serves all Ghanaians effectively” Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said.

According to the Health Minister, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers that often prevent people from seeking medical attention until illnesses have become severe.

By prioritising preventive healthcare services at the community level, government hopes to strengthen disease prevention efforts, promote healthier lifestyles, and improve health outcomes across the country.

The Volta Region launch marks another phase in the nationwide rollout of the programme, which health authorities believe will strengthen community health systems and accelerate Ghana’s progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Complement NHIS

Hon. Akandoh clarified that the Free Primary Healthcare initiative is not intended to replace the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) but rather to complement it.

He explained that every Ghanaian with a valid national identification card would be eligible to access primary healthcare services under the programme. However, individuals referred for specialised treatment at higher levels of care would still require active NHIS membership.

“The Free Primary Healthcare initiative complements the NHIS. We are encouraging all Ghanaians to maintain active membership because referrals and specialised care will continue to be supported through the Scheme”.

The Minister stressed the importance of sustained enrolment onto the NHIS to ensure continuity of care beyond the primary healthcare level.

As part of the visit, Hon. Akandoh paid a courtesy call on the Asogli State, where traditional authorities welcomed the programme and commended the government for selecting the Volta Region as one of the areas for implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the Agbogbomefia, a representative of the Asogli State described the initiative as a transformative intervention that would improve healthcare access, particularly for residents in underserved and remote communities.

The representative expressed optimism that the programme would help bridge longstanding gaps in healthcare delivery and contribute to better health outcomes throughout the region.

The Health Minister emphasised that the success of the programme would depend on strong partnerships among government institutions, traditional authorities, health professionals, local assemblies, civil society organisations, the media, and community members.

“The responsibility of making this initiative successful does not rest on government alone. We need the support of chiefs, opinion leaders, local assemblies, health workers and communities to ensure that every Ghanaian benefits” he added.

Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu also welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to address inequalities in healthcare access. He noted that many rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services.

“The health and well-being of our people must remain a priority. This programme offers an opportunity to bring essential services closer to communities that need them most”.

Representing the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Deputy Director General Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah assured stakeholders that preparations were already underway to operationalise the initiative nationwide.

“As a Service, we have already taken the lead in developing strategies to operationalise this initiative at both district and community levels. Training activities are currently ongoing across the country to ensure successful implementation”.

Dr. Amissah explained that the programme would enable health managers to better understand community health needs and design interventions based on local realities.

She disclosed that health workers would undertake home visits, community engagements, and preventive health assessments as part of the implementation strategy.

“We have developed a comprehensive checklist for our health workers. As part of this initiative, our staff will be conducting home and community visits to engage residents, monitor key health indicators, and provide preventive health services”.

She encouraged residents to cooperate with healthcare personnel during these engagements.

To support implementation efforts, the Ministry of Health has supplied additional logistics to health facilities across the region.

During the working visit, the Minister handed over tricycles, motorbikes, delivery beds, home visit kits, equipment for Community Health Officers, and other essential non drug supplies aimed at strengthening frontline healthcare delivery.

Health experts have consistently maintained that strong primary healthcare systems represent one of the most cost-effective approaches to improving population health, reducing disease burdens, and easing pressure on hospitals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has similarly highlighted primary healthcare as a critical pathway toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.