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President Mahama rolls out “Free Primary Healthcare” policy to boost universal coverage

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President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care policy, a major initiative aimed at expanding access to basic healthcare services and accelerating the country’s drive toward universal health coverage.

 

Speaking at the launch at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, President Mahama said the policy is designed to close gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

 

“Every country is working to achieve universal health coverage… where every citizen has access to quality, affordable care,” he said. “But we still have pockets of underserved areas, especially in the rural areas.”

 

The President emphasised that the new policy will complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), rather than replace it. “The free primary health care is complementary to the national health insurance. It doesn’t replace it,” he stated.

 

Under the initiative, primary healthcare services including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of basic illnesses will be provided free of charge at CHPS compounds, health centres, and polyclinics. Citizens will not be required to present an NHIS card at this level but can access services with basic identification.

 

A central feature of the policy is preventive care, with a strong focus on early detection of diseases. President Mahama announced that all Ghanaians will be encouraged to undergo routine health checks. “At least every Ghanaian must be screened once a year,” he said, adding that screenings will cover conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases.

 

He warned that lifestyle-related illnesses are becoming the leading cause of disease in Ghana. “Non-communicable diseases have become the heaviest disease burden in Ghana… because of the change in our lifestyle,” he noted, calling for improved diets and increased physical activity.

 

For patients requiring more advanced treatment, referrals will be made to district hospitals under NHIS coverage. In cases involving specialised care, such as dialysis, the government will provide support through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. “You’ll be referred to a kidney dialysis centre and you can go and do your kidney dialysis free of charge,” the President said.

 

To support the rollout, the government will deploy health volunteers, including national service personnel and trained health professionals awaiting posting, to deliver community-based screening and education. Mobile clinics and newly introduced health kiosks will also be used to reach remote communities.

 

The programme will begin in 150 selected districts this year, with a nationwide rollout expected by 2028.

 

President Mahama described the initiative as a transformative step in Ghana’s healthcare system, aimed at bringing services closer to the people and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.

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Mahama to host Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema for three-day official visit to Ghana

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President John Dramani Mahama will host the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, for a three-day official visit to Ghana from 28th to 30th July 2026, following an invitation extended by the Ghanaian leader.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency and signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Gabonese President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation made up of government ministers, senior officials and members of the Gabonese business community.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and Gabon and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

On 28th July, Presidents Mahama and Oligui Nguema will hold a private tête-à-tête before leading official bilateral talks at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The discussions will review the current state of relations between the two countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration across a broad range of sectors, including political and diplomatic consultations, trade and investment, mining, energy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, maritime affairs, transport, tourism, education, health, defence and security, environmental protection, climate action and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders are also expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and advancing sustainable economic development for the mutual benefit of the people of Ghana and Gabon.

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KGL Group, GMTF Break Ground for Ultra-Modern Diagnostic Centre at Ridge Hospital

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The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has announced a major partnership with KGL Group and the KGL Foundation to construct a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), aimed at improving access to advanced healthcare services in Ghana.

The initiative follows GMTF’s appeal to Corporate Ghana on February 5, 2026, to support efforts to equip Ridge Hospital with modern diagnostic equipment. Responding to the call, KGL Group and the KGL Foundation pledged not only to provide the equipment but also to fund the construction of a new diagnostic centre that will house all essential imaging services under one roof.

The new facility will be fitted with advanced medical equipment, including an MRI machine, CT scan, Mammography unit, X-ray machine, and Fluoroscopy machine. The investment is expected to significantly strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and improve the management of complex medical conditions.

The project officially entered its implementation phase following a site inspection at Ridge Hospital led by Ghana Medical Trust Fund Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, and KGL Group Chief Executive Officer, Alex Apau Dadey, together with their respective teams.

According to GMTF, the new diagnostic centre will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses while expanding access to specialist diagnostic services for thousands of patients across the country.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund expressed appreciation to KGL Group for its commitment, describing the partnership as a shining example of how collaboration between Corporate Ghana and government can transform healthcare delivery and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

The Fund noted that the project reflects the vision of strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships, adding that the initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Mahama Cares programme.

 

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Offence Can Make You Lose Your Inheritance – Dr. Lawrence Tetteh Urges Ghanaians to Live Above Bitterness

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Renowned evangelist Dr. Lawrence Tetteh has called on Ghanaians to avoid living in offence and bitterness, warning that harboring grudges can rob people of their purpose, relationships and even their destiny.

Delivering a speech during the wreath-laying ceremony and 14th commemoration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, Dr. Tetteh stressed that “offence can make you lose your inheritance.”

According to him, offence is one of the enemy’s greatest traps because people will always criticize others regardless of what they do. He advised that becoming easily offended could cause people to lose valuable relationships, respect and loyal supporters.

Dr. Tetteh noted that offence breeds division, disloyalty and unnecessary conflicts, adding that those who have benefited from someone’s kindness can eventually turn against them when offence takes root.

Drawing lessons from the Bible, he cited John the Baptist, saying offence and disappointment can affect a person’s outlook even in difficult moments. He also referenced Moses, who, despite leading the Israelites out of Egypt, did not enter the Promised Land, urging people not to allow offence to derail their God-given assignment.

He further warned leaders not to let criticism from followers distract them from their mandate, emphasizing that reacting to every provocation only weakens one’s focus.
“If you want to stand like H.E. Atta Mills, live an offence-free life,” Dr. Tetteh said, encouraging Ghanaians to use their positions to build friendships rather than create enemies.

The annual wreath-laying ceremony was held to honour the memory and leadership legacy of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, who passed away in office 14 years ago.

By Maurice Otoo

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