Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced a sweeping health reform that will make Primary Health Care free at the point of use for all Ghanaians, marking what he called “a landmark moment in the transformation of Ghana’s health system.”

Speaking at a launch event attended by President Mahama, representatives of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, Ministers, and health partners, the Minister said the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers, promote early detection, and cut hospital congestion by 2030.

Primary health care services in the defined package will be free for all citizens.

Uninsured Ghanaians will also be encouraged to enroll in the National Health Insurance Scheme to access district, regional, and tertiary care.

Routine screening, early diagnosis, and community outreach will become standard practice instead of occasional interventions.

CHPS compounds, health centers, and public clinics will be linked into one seamless system to improve continuity of care.

The system will move from paying mainly for illness and treatment to paying for health and prevention — “from sick care to health care”.

The Minister outlined four expected outcomes: out-of-pocket health expenditure falling below 20% from the current 35%, over 95% of Ghanaians accessing essential primary health care, reduced congestion at hospitals, and a stronger, more resilient health system.

“We are ready,” the Minister stated.

Costing and financing frameworks are complete, legislative reforms have been initiated, and coordination across the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, and NHIA has been strengthened.

Over 24,000 pieces of essential medical equipment — including incubators, glucometers, hospital beds, and ultrasound machines — have been procured for distribution. Digital health systems are also being advanced for transparency and accountability.

They will be in our homes, schools, churches, workplaces — screening, educating, and supporting us to stay healthy,” the Minister said.

The Minister credited President Mahama’s “bold leadership,” citing the recent uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme which created fiscal space for free primary health care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as “Mahama Cares”. He also highlighted the President’s advocacy for African health sovereignty.

While Ghana has expanded CHPS and introduced NHIS, the Minister noted that out-of-pocket costs remain high at 35%, many Ghanaians delay care, and non-communicable diseases are rising. “Too many of our people enter the health system late when conditions are severe, treatment is more costly, and outcomes are worse,” he said.

The reform aims to mainstream prevention and early detection into everyday health system functioning, moving beyond sporadic community screenings to continuous, accessible, universal care.

“Your Excellency, under your leadership, Ghana is redefining health care for generations to come,” the Minister concluded.