The Government of Ghana has announced a temporary intervention to absorb part of the cost of petroleum products, in a move aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices driven by global market volatility.

Effective April 16, 2026, the government will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol during the next pricing window. The measure is expected to ease the financial burden on households, transport operators, and businesses already grappling with increasing operational costs.

The decision, approved by Cabinet, comes in response to sustained increases in international oil prices, which have significantly impacted ex-pump prices across the country.

In a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the intervention was described as a short-term relief strategy to support Ghanaians amid external economic pressures.

The government indicated that the measure will remain in force for one month, during which it will closely monitor developments in the global oil market and assess the need for further policy adjustments.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining price stability, protecting livelihoods, and supporting Ghana’s broader economic recovery in the face of ongoing global uncertainties.

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.

President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care initiative is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), not replace it, stressing that the two systems will work together to improve access to healthcare.

Speaking at the launch at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital, President Mahama explained that under the new policy, basic healthcare services at the community level will be provided free of charge, particularly at CHPS compounds, health kiosks, and health centres.

“At that level, it is free of charge. You go for screening and everything is free,” he said, adding that common conditions such as malaria, cholera, and basic respiratory infections will be treated at the primary level with essential medicines available at community facilities.

According to him, CHPS compounds and similar facilities will be equipped to manage routine illnesses, including providing malaria treatment, basic care for diarrhoeal diseases like cholera, and simple medications such as cough mixtures for respiratory infections.

However, he noted that cases requiring further medical attention such as persistently high blood sugar readings will be referred to district-level facilities for advanced care.

At that point, patients will be required to use their NHIS cards to access treatment and prescribed medicines.

“The free primary health care is complementary to the National Health Insurance. It is not replacing it; it is coming to strengthen it,” he emphasized.

President Mahama further urged Ghanaians not to abandon their NHIS membership, explaining that it remains essential for accessing higher-level healthcare services.

Under the policy, patients seeking care at CHPS compounds, health centres, and other primary facilities will only need identification such as the Ghana Card to confirm residency and eligibility, without requiring an NHIS card at that initial stage.