Ghana’s health system is set for a major shift as government places renewed emphasis on primary healthcare as the most effective way to address the country’s growing disease burden.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh highlighted that nearly 80 per cent of the population’s health needs can be managed at the primary care level—making it the cornerstone of a resilient and efficient health system.
The approach focuses on bringing essential services closer to communities, ensuring that patients can receive early diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care without the need to rely heavily on higher-level hospitals.
Under the policy, primary health facilities will offer a wide range of services, including screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions. The initiative also integrates cancer screening and comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, including antenatal and postnatal services, immunisation, and growth monitoring.
Beyond treatment, the strategy prioritises prevention and health education, equipping citizens with knowledge on lifestyle diseases, family planning, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Officials believe this will help reduce the long-term burden on the healthcare system.
The policy also ensures that common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections are effectively managed at the community level, alongside basic emergency care and referrals where necessary.
According to the Minister, strengthening these frontline services will ease pressure on hospitals and improve overall healthcare delivery, allowing more specialised facilities to focus on complex cases.
The renewed focus signals a broader transformation agenda within the health sector—one that shifts from reactive treatment to proactive, community-based care aimed at improving outcomes and building a more sustainable system.
