The Ministry of Health is ramping up consultations with key stakeholders in preparation for the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Policy, which is expected to be launched in the first week of April, Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced.

Speaking to the media on February 6, 2026, Akandoh said the policy framework, which focuses on three key priority areas, has already been developed.

The current phase, he explained, aims to secure broad national support before the policy is formally implemented.

The Ministry has engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the manufacturing and private sectors, child-focused institutions, the Christian Health Association of Ghana, traditional groups and donor agencies.

The minister also highlighted the role of the media, describing journalists as “the voice of the voiceless” and emphasizing that their participation would help foster public awareness and understanding of the policy.

Akandoh stressed that consultations would continue beyond the current discussions.

Plans have been announced to extend engagement to the National House of Chiefs, ensuring that traditional leaders are informed and involved in the policy process.

In addition, the Ministry is proposing a one day public forum, where individuals and organisations can raise questions, express concerns and offer suggestions prior to the policy launch.

“This platform is not for debate or banter,” the Minister noted. “We are here to listen.

Questions may be asked, and while immediate answers may not always be possible, all concerns will be documented and addressed.”

Following the stakeholder engagement process, Akandoh explained that the policy will be submitted to Cabinet for approval and where necessary, the Ministry will seek parliamentary support for new legislation or amendments to existing health laws to facilitate implementation.

Acknowledging the challenges inherent in policy rollout, the minister urged against waiting for perfection before implementation.

“If we wait for perfection before implementation, we will never implement any policy,” he said, adding that the Free Primary Health Care Policy represents a critical opportunity to transform healthcare delivery and tackle long-standing sectoral challenges.

Akandoh expressed confidence that the policy would significantly improve access to quality healthcare nationwide once it is implemented, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing universal health coverage.

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