President Mahama Enlists Traditional Leaders to Champion Free Primary Healthcare Policy

During a strategic visit to Gomoa Akamu in the Central Region, President John Dramani Mahama called upon traditional leaders to actively promote the government's Free Primary Healthcare policy. Speaking as part of his 'Resetting Ghana' tour, the President emphasized that traditional authorities play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between national policy and community adoption. He urged these leaders to advocate for the benefits of the new healthcare framework, which is designed to remove financial barriers to essential medical services at the grassroots level.

Central to this policy is an emphasis on preventive healthcare and the early detection of illnesses. President Mahama encouraged community members to shift their focus toward routine check-ups by utilizing local health centers and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds. He was careful to clarify that the Free Primary Healthcare initiative is not a replacement for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Instead, the program is intended to complement the NHIS by providing free basic treatments at the primary level, thereby ensuring that even the most vulnerable citizens have immediate access to care without upfront costs.

The President's visit also served as an opportunity to showcase tangible developments in the region, including the inspection of road projects and a recently completed CHPS compound. Mahama framed these infrastructure gains as evidence of a broader economic recovery, citing improved indicators as signs that the 'Resetting Ghana' agenda is gaining momentum. Joining him on the tour, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of civic responsibility, calling for constructive dialogue and active participation from all Ghanaians to ensure the success of these governance reforms.

As the government continues to roll out these healthcare improvements, the focus remains on building a resilient and accessible health system for all. President Mahama concluded by urging citizens to maintain their NHIS enrollments to ensure comprehensive coverage beyond primary care. By integrating traditional leadership into the advocacy process, the administration hopes to foster a culture of health consciousness that will sustain Ghana's medical and economic progress in the years to come.