Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, has announced that 4,574 health facilities across the country are presently providing services under the Free Primary Health Care programme.
The Health Minister disclosed that the facilities form part of the first phase of the programme, which is being implemented in 135 of Ghana’s 216 districts in all 16 regions.
The Health Minister detailed that 4,574 facilities participating in the programme include 3,781 CHPS compounds, 746 health centres and 48 polyclinics, alongside other participating facilities.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh highlighted that the government has prioritised deprived districts to ensure communities with the greatest healthcare needs benefit first.
He revealed that the program has commenced in the Upper West, Upper East, Oti and Western North regions, adding that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every part of the country has access to free primary healthcare by the end of 2027.
“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 said.
“We’re not leaving anybody behind”.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has given the Health Ministry clearance to recruit 16,000 nurses.
According to John Mahama, the 16,000 nurses will be recruited in two batches as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
Mahama disclosed that a first batch of 8,000 nurses will be recruited soon, followed by another 8,000.
Speaking at the launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme at the Ho Municipal Hospital on Thursday, July 16, President Mahama stated, “We are therefore providing clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 nurses in two batches. The first batch will be 8,000 nurses, followed by another 8,000, so that young people completing their training will not have to wait for long periods before being posted,” he said.
“However, the condition is that many of those being recruited will be sent to underserved areas where healthcare needs are greatest,” he added.
Mahama also urged nurses and other health professionals to emulate the commitment of Florence Nightingale by serving wherever they are needed.
He further assured health workers that his government is committed to improving their conditions of service as the economy recovers.
“I have assured the Minister that as the economy continues to improve, we will continue to work towards improving your conditions of service so that you are encouraged and motivated to continue the important work you do,” he said.
@ghnow_ Minister of Health, Hon. Mintah Akando has announced the recruitment into the health service of voluntary health workers #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the full rollout of Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme in 135 districts, effective today, September 7, 2026. The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to basic healthcare and strengthen preventive and early-detection services. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
