CDA Consult applauds government’s free primary healthcare rollout

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult), a non-governmental development communication advocacy organisation, has commended the Government of Ghana for what it describes as decisive steps toward Universal Health Coverage and the integration of innovation into healthcare delivery.

The group characterised the move as purposeful, progressive and people-centred, following the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme by John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.

The initiative, which is being rolled out in 150 districts with a focus on underserved communities, allows Ghanaians to access healthcare services at health posts, CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics using the Ghana Card or any valid form of national identification.

It also introduces expanded public education on healthy lifestyles, deployment of trained volunteers at community health kiosks and home visits to strengthen care at the grassroots level.

In an interview with Modern Ghana News, Executive Director of CDA Consult, Francis Ameyibor, said the policy aligns with global evidence on achieving Universal Health Coverage.

“The government's action removes financial barriers at the first point of contact, where most health needs are addressed. This is a landmark for equity, because primary care is where we win or lose the UHC battle,” he said.

He stressed that CDA Consult remains committed to supporting policies that prioritise preventive and promotive healthcare, noting that these must form the backbone of any sustainable health system.

The organisation identified three key innovation pillars driving Ghana’s current health reforms, including financing innovation, digital health transformation and service delivery innovation.

According to CDA Consult, the convergence of these reforms under the Free Primary Healthcare Programme signals strong momentum toward achieving UHC by 2030.

The group also renewed its call for sustained collaboration among government, healthcare providers and communities, emphasising that collective effort is essential to reducing preventable diseases.

Mr Ameyibor highlighted the importance of evidence driven decision making and public education, particularly in tackling non communicable diseases such as cervical cancer.

He noted that CDA Consult continues to champion health communication advocacy across Africa, including awareness campaigns on HPV vaccination and strategies to eliminate cervical cancer in countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Cameroon.

The organisation recently commended the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health and Gavi for the nationwide rollout of HPV vaccination targeting girls aged 9 to 14.

As part of its long term efforts, CDA Consult is implementing a five-year “Change Paradigm Advocacy Campaign” aimed at eliminating cervical cancer. The initiative, co-branded “Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer”, focuses on free HPV vaccinations, expanded prevention, regular screening and improved treatment services.

The campaign includes regional outreach and awareness programmes across all 16 regional capitals and a majority of district capitals, with the goal of improving public knowledge on available healthcare interventions.

CDA Consult noted that the government’s broader target is to achieve at least 80 per cent healthcare coverage by 2030, with the Free Primary Healthcare Programme expected to close access gaps for citizens unable to afford NHIS premiums.

The organisation added that the recent launch of Ghana’s first National Quality of Care Report, developed by the Ghana Health Service with support from the World Health Organization, will further guide policy decisions and improve frontline healthcare delivery.