Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Leads GH"1.5 Billion Free Primary Healthcare Drive as NHIA Intensifies Public Outreach

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has called for the rigorous protection and efficient management of resources allocated to the government's Free Primary Health Care (FPHC) program. Speaking at the 33rd Annual General Conference of District Directors of Health Services in Bolgatanga, the Minister warned that mismanagement could jeopardize the landmark initiative. The government has committed GH₵1.5 billion from domestic resources to fund the program, which aims to provide essential health services without financial barriers to the Ghanaian public. Akandoh emphasized that the success of the policy rests heavily on the shoulders of district directors, who are the primary implementers of national healthcare policies.

To support the rollout of the FPHC, the Ministry of Health has overseen the procurement of over 25,500 pieces of medical equipment, alongside essential logistics such as motorbikes and tricycles to enhance rural service delivery. Minister Akandoh stressed that the program’s core focus remains on prevention and health promotion. He urged health directors to utilize these resources transparently and adopt innovative approaches to maximize outcomes, noting that the domestic nature of the funding demands high levels of accountability and quality service delivery.

Complementing these national directives, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has ramped up its public education efforts to ensure citizens understand how to access these new benefits. In the Western North Region, the NHIA conducted refresher training for District Managers and Public Relations Officers from all eight districts. This initiative focuses on improving communication regarding the FPHC and the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC), a system designed to streamline patient verification. Acting Regional Director Frank Duku and Regional Operations Manager Dr. Isaac Damptey highlighted that alignment between operational efficiency and public outreach is vital for the scheme's success.

The push for better communication and resource management reflects a broader strategy by the President John Mahama administration to ensure the sustainability of Ghana's health insurance and primary care systems. By equipping district-level staff with both physical tools and technical knowledge, the government and the NHIA aim to bridge the gap between policy and service delivery. The successful integration of the FPHC program is viewed as a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage, provided that accountability remains the cornerstone of its execution.