The Ministry of Health has engaged the Ga Traditional Council as part of preparations toward the rollout of the government’s flagship Free Primary Healthcare initiative, a major policy aimed at improving access to basic health services across the country.
At a high-level meeting with the Ga Mantse and his council, officials from the Ministry emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in driving public health awareness and ensuring the success of the programme at the community level. The engagement forms part of a broader stakeholder consultation process designed to secure buy-in from key opinion leaders ahead of the official launch.
Health Ministry representatives outlined the core objectives of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, which seeks to eliminate financial barriers to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The programme is expected to cover services such as outpatient care, maternal and child health, basic diagnostics, and preventive care at primary health facilities nationwide.
Addressing the gathering, the Ga Mantse welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of traditional authorities to support government efforts that improve the wellbeing of citizens. He stressed the critical role chiefs and community leaders play in mobilizing residents, promoting healthy practices, and addressing cultural barriers that may hinder healthcare delivery.
The Ga Mantse also urged the Ministry to ensure equitable distribution of resources and personnel, particularly in underserved communities, to guarantee that the policy achieves its intended impact. He further called for continuous engagement with traditional leaders to monitor implementation and address emerging challenges.
Officials from the Ministry reiterated that collaboration with traditional institutions remains a cornerstone of the programme’s implementation strategy. They noted that community trust and participation are essential for increasing healthcare utilization and improving health outcomes.
The Free Primary Healthcare initiative is expected to be officially launched in the coming weeks, with the government positioning it as a transformative step toward achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.
