Ghana to roll out free primary healthcare in 2026 – Minister

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, says the government is set to introduce free primary healthcare services across the country starting in 2026 as part of its efforts to improve the nation’s healthcare system. 

This announcement comes as the government prepares to distribute 700 medical doctors to various parts of the country, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery. 

“The government is also set to engage the private sector to complete the Agenda 111 Hospitals and their management,” he said on Tuesday on the Floor of Parliament when he commented on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. 

Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister for Finance, presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, outlining key initiatives to boost Ghana’s economy.  

The budget on the theme: “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation” focused on job creation, accountability, and prosperity for all, with projected GDP growth of 6.3 per cent in 2025, driven by industry, mining, and agriculture sectors. 

Among some of the key highlights of the presentation were tax reforms, where the Minister announced the abolishment of the COVID-19 levy, reduction of the VAT rate, and increase of the VAT registration threshold to support small businesses. 

On revenue measures, Dr Forson introduced road tolls, increased the Growth and Sustainability Levy for mining companies, and extended the Special Import Levy, adding that inflation was targeted to drop to 8 per cent by October 2025, below the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) 11.9 per cent forecast. 

“Mr Speaker, the budget also focuses on job creation, accountability, and prosperity for all, with a targeted inflation rate of 8 per cent by October 2025, below the IMF’s 11.9 per cent forecast,” Dr Forson told Parliament. 

Mr Akandoh also told Parliament that in a move to address the financial challenges faced by healthcare professionals, the “government has announced plans to pay GH¢231 million to nurses as part of their allowances within the next two weeks.” 

He explained that this followed an earlier payment of GH¢500 million. 

According to the Health Minister, the government’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of healthcare workers and its commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure underscored its dedication to providing quality healthcare services to all Ghanaians. 

The comment on the budget, which began on Tuesday, November 11, is expected to be concluded on Wednesday, November 26, by the Majority and Minority leaders of the House. 

Source: GNA 

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