In a bold move to champion preventive healthcare, Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, has kicked off a national free health outreach initiative, beginning with a large-scale health screening event in Accra on Friday.
Held at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly forecourt, the outreach saw more than 1,500 residents—including women, youth, traders, kayayei, and shoppers—receive free screening, medical advice, and counselling on a wide range of health issues.
This marks the official launch of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, with a special focus on women, girls, and vulnerable communities.
Participants were tested for HIV, malaria, hepatitis B, syphilis, hypertension, tuberculosis, diabetes, breast cancer, and various eye conditions. The outreach also offered contraceptive and condom education, breast examinations, and blood sugar monitoring, providing holistic care at no cost.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Mahama emphasized that health awareness and regular check-ups are vital for building a strong, productive nation.
“You may feel fine, but some conditions show no signs until it’s too late,” she warned. “This is why early detection and preventive care must become a lifestyle.”
She urged the youth—particularly young women—to prioritize their well-being, saying their dreams and ambitions could only be achieved through good health.
“You are the future of Ghana. Stay healthy, speak up about your challenges, and seek help from professionals,” she advised.
Mrs. Mahama also revealed that the government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive primary healthcare programme, designed to make regular health monitoring more accessible to citizens, especially in remote communities.
Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the GAC, stated that Friday’s screening event was just the beginning of a broader effort. He said the national outreach will continue quarterly in targeted regions including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, and Savannah, bringing essential health services closer to underserved populations.
In addition to the medical tests, HIV self-testing kits and condoms were distributed to promote voluntary testing and safe practices, particularly among young people.
The event has been hailed by public health advocates as a timely and inclusive strategy to bridge healthcare gaps, reduce stigma around testing, and empower Ghanaians to take charge of their health.
With the First Lady at the helm, this national initiative is expected to create lasting impact and reinforce Ghana’s commitment to universal health coverage and disease prevention.
