President John Dramani Mahama has hinted at a comprehensive rollout of free primary healthcare across Ghana, promising that the initiative will guarantee access to essential medical services for all citizens.
He shared details of the programme while interacting with Ghanaian nationals in Zambia during his three-day state visit, emphasizing how the reform will transform community-level healthcare and improve overall public health.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said the free primary healthcare programme is a central component of the government’s reset agenda, designed to ensure that every Ghanaian can receive care from Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and district hospitals without financial barriers.
“If you are a Ghanaian and you have your Ghana Card, you do not need to pay an NHIS premium. You show your card, and you are entitled to free treatment”.
Ghana’s President HE John Dramani Mahama
The President noted that the initiative will focus not only on treatment but also on preventive care, aiming to detect and manage common health conditions before they escalate.
Appointment of Community Volunteers
A key feature of the programme is the appointment of community volunteers in every locality. These volunteers will be equipped with basic diagnostic tools or operate in partnership with community pharmacies to carry out routine checks, such as blood sugar monitoring for diabetes and blood pressure testing for hypertension.
President Mahama emphasized that early detection and prevention are essential to reducing the burden on hospitals and improving long-term health outcomes. “We will supply generic drugs that are affordable and in many cases free, so individuals can begin treatment immediately if a condition is detected,” he said. By enabling early intervention, he added, the programme seeks to reduce complications and improve quality of life.
Women’s health will also be a major focus. President Mahama said community volunteers will support periodic breast examinations to detect early signs of breast cancer and conduct pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. He noted that systematic screening at the community level can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the costs associated with late-stage treatment.
In addition to providing care and preventive services, the President highlighted the role of volunteers in maintaining comprehensive community health records. “They will have a record of everybody in the community, which allows us to monitor the health profile and plan interventions accordingly,” he explained.
Aggregating this data, he said, will also inform national health strategies and enable evidence-based policymaking. President Mahama linked the rollout of primary healthcare to broader goals of national development.
A Healthy Population is a Productive Population
He noted that medical expenses are a significant driver of household poverty and that early detection and treatment can prevent families from falling into financial distress.
“A healthy population is a productive population,” he said, stressing that investing in accessible primary healthcare is essential for both social and economic progress.
He acknowledged that the success of the initiative depends on proper planning and collaboration among government agencies, health professionals, and community members.
“This programme will revolutionize how we deliver healthcare in Ghana. It ensures equity, and it strengthens our ability to prevent disease rather than only treat it when it becomes severe”.
Ghana’s President HE John Dramani Mahama
Addressing Ghanaians living abroad, President Mahama emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement in national development. He noted that the Ghanaian community in Zambia, like those in other countries, remains an important partner in observing and supporting reforms at home.
He encouraged citizens abroad to follow developments in the health sector closely and to promote awareness about the changes taking place. Concluding his remarks, President Mahama reaffirmed that the programme reflects a commitment to dignity, fairness, and inclusivity.
By removing financial barriers, providing preventive care, and empowering communities through volunteers, the government aims to ensure that every Ghanaian has the opportunity to access quality healthcare. He described the initiative as a key step toward a healthier nation and a stronger, more equitable society.
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