CHAG, Health Ministry and Partners Back Free Primary Healthcare Push at Koforidua Conference

The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), the Ministry of Health and international development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ghana's healthcare system, pledging closer cooperation and greater investment in frontline health facilities to support the rollout of the government's Free Primary Healthcare programme.

The pledges were made at CHAG's 2026 Annual Conference held in Koforidua, which brought together policymakers, health professionals and development partners under the theme "Positioning CHAG for People-Centred Free Primary Healthcare." The conference follows the launch of President John Mahama's flagship free healthcare initiative in April, which aims to eliminate financial barriers to essential health services and reorient Ghana's health system towards prevention, early detection and community-based care.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh told delegates that the government is investing more than GH¢500 million to procure over 24,000 pieces of medical equipment for distribution to health centres, CHPS compounds and other primary care facilities nationwide, including those run by CHAG. He stressed that the programme goes beyond policy announcements, saying: "We are putting in place the resources required for implementation." The Minister added that primary healthcare, if properly resourced, can address close to 80 per cent of the country's health needs.

Mr Akandoh also disclosed notable progress in staffing deprived communities. Whilst only 12 medical doctors accepted postings to such areas in 2024, more than 100 have done so this year. He nonetheless acknowledged that several districts still lack a resident doctor, describing equitable distribution of health workers as one of the government's most pressing challenges. Additionally, 35 health facilities currently under construction have been prioritised for completion, with faith-based organisations being engaged to manage other facilities that are ready to serve surrounding communities.

CHAG's Executive Director, Dr Peter Kwame Yeboah, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a bold and transformative policy that can accelerate Ghana's progress towards Universal Health Coverage. Although CHAG accounts for roughly 7 per cent of Ghana's health infrastructure, its network of 375 hospitals, clinics and health centres across all 16 regions delivers between 30 and 40 per cent of national healthcare services, treating between eight and ten million patients each year — many of them in remote and underserved communities. The association also runs 22 accredited health training institutions, producing approximately 3,400 healthcare professionals annually.

International development organisation PharmAccess Ghana is among the partners supporting the reforms, with its collaboration with CHAG focused on healthcare quality, digital innovation and sustainable financing as the country works to make free primary healthcare a lasting reality for all Ghanaians.