Government has commenced the full implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme in 135 districts across all 16 regions, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s health sector reforms to bring quality healthcare to the doorstep of every Ghanaian.
Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the rollout at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, September 7, 2026, saying the initiative is aimed at improving access to essential services, particularly for people in underserved communities, with greater emphasis on prevention and early detection. f08a
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), Ahmadiyya and other partners are also part of the initiative. f08a
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, and to all districts by 2028. f08a
Mr. Akandoh said preparations have been ongoing since the programme was launched in April 2026, including training of health workers and retooling of primary healthcare facilities. f08a
To support implementation, more than 24,500 pieces of medical equipment have been distributed to CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics. 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. f08a
More than 7,000 motorbikes and tricycles are also expected to be deployed to facilitate movement of health professionals into communities. Government will also roll out at least 350 container-based health posts sited in high-traffic areas like markets and lorry parks to improve access. f08a2cc0
The Minister said the selection of districts was deliberate to ensure equity.
“We have 135 districts out of the 216, and they are all in the 16 regions. So in every region, we have selected the deprived district to be part of the first phase,” he explained. Upper West, Upper East, Oti and Western North are among the priority areas.
Under the programme, Ghanaians can access a defined package of essential services free of charge at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics without requiring a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card – only a Ghana Card or any valid national ID.
The package covers curative services for common conditions such as malaria, respiratory illnesses and diarrhoea, as well as preventive services including blood pressure and blood sugar screening, nutrition and hygiene counselling. The model also includes outreach to homes, schools, churches and workplaces. 2cc0
The programme is designed to complement, not replace, the NHIS and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares. While FPHC covers services up to the polyclinic level, referrals to district, regional or teaching hospitals will require NHIS coverage.
The Health Minister also issued a strong warning against extortion. He urged the public to report any health worker who demands payment for services covered under the programme.
“Anything that falls within the package of free primary healthcare, no Ghanaian is to pay for any that is part of their package,” Mr. Akandoh said. “If any health worker demands of any Ghanaian any money, please report”. 2cc0
He said every complaint would be investigated and sanctions applied where necessary. “If there’s a need for suspension, somebody will be suspended,” he added, noting the Ministry will publish a short code and telephone number for reporting.
Government says the FPHC represents a fundamental shift from paying to treat diseases to paying to prevent them, as it works towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
