Ghana needs GH₵1.2bn annually to deliver free primary healthcare – Mintah Akandoh

The Ministry of Health has revealed that the government will require at least GH₵1.2 billion annually to implement its ambitious Free Primary Healthcare policy, underscoring the scale of investment needed to transform healthcare delivery across the country.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh made the disclosure during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 13, where he detailed the financial framework underpinning the initiative.

According to the Minister, the government has already conducted a comprehensive costing exercise to determine the resources required for both the rollout and long-term sustainability of the policy.

“We have done the costing, and we need not less than GH₵1.2 billion a year to be able to run this,” he stated. “It is not an ad hoc programme. We have thought through it, engaged widely, and made projections, so we know what we are doing.”

He emphasized that the initiative is grounded in careful planning, ensuring it is not a short-term intervention but a sustainable reform designed to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.

The Free Primary Healthcare policy aims to significantly expand access to essential health services, particularly in underserved and rural communities where healthcare delivery remains limited.

The policy will prioritize primary care facilities, including CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics, as the first point of contact for patients, helping to reduce pressure on major hospitals while improving early diagnosis and treatment.

Mr. Akandoh noted that the policy has undergone extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including health professionals and sector experts, to ensure its design is practical, effective, and aligned with national healthcare needs.

He added that the level of preparation gives the government confidence in the successful implementation of the programme once it is fully rolled out.

The initiative forms part of a broader government agenda to achieve universal health coverage and improve health outcomes nationwide. By committing significant annual funding, the government aims to build a resilient healthcare system capable of delivering quality and affordable services to all citizens.

The policy is expected to play a central role in reshaping Ghana’s healthcare landscape in the coming years.