4,574 facilities to provide free primary healthcare in 135 districts – Health Minister 

The government has commenced the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare programme in 135 districts across all 16 regions of Ghana.

The programme, which forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector reforms, is aimed at taking healthcare delivery closer to communities and also placing greater emphasis on prevention and early detection.

Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the commencement of the programme at a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 7.

According to the Minister, 4,574 health facilities are currently participating in the programme, comprising 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics.

Facilities operated by the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) and other partners are also part of the initiative.

The government initially targets 150 deprived districts, with the remaining 15 expected to be added by the end of 2026.

The Ministry’s broader target is to extend free primary healthcare services to every part of the country by the end of 2027.

Mr Akandoh said preparations for the programme have been ongoing since its launch in April 2026, including the training of health workers and retooling of primary healthcare facilities.

He disclosed that more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment have been distributed to CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics to support the implementation.

The Ministry has also taken delivery of 5,000 health worker bags containing basic equipment to support house-to-house healthcare services, with additional supplies expected in the coming weeks.

More than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles are also expected to be deployed to facilitate the movement of health professionals into communities.