The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) has publicly backed the government's newly launched Free Primary Healthcare initiative. Executive Director Dr. Peter Kwame Yeboah stated the policy is a bold and transformative step towards Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Yeboah made these remarks at the 2026 Annual Conference of CHAG in Koforidua. He noted the initiative aligns with CHAG's core mission of delivering equitable healthcare, especially to deprived and hard-to-reach populations. CHAG currently operates 317 health facilities across all 16 regions of Ghana.
This initiative builds on Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and improve citizen welfare. Government aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes, responding to persistent challenges like uneven distribution of medical facilities. The Free Primary Healthcare policy seeks to remove financial obstacles that prevent many Ghanaians from accessing crucial primary care services.
Dr. Peter Kwame Yeboah highlighted CHAG's deep commitment during the conference. He said, "This initiative reflects Ghana's health priorities and provides us with another opportunity to deliver compassionate, accessible and sustainable healthcare." He emphasized CHAG would actively champion its implementation through its wide-ranging network.
This policy means broader access to basic health services including disease prevention, maternal and child healthcare, and management of chronic conditions. It signals a shift towards preventive care, aiming to reduce the burden on higher-level medical facilities. Observers will watch how effectively CHAG's extensive presence in rural areas translates into tangible improvements in health service delivery across the country.
Primary healthcare forms the bedrock of an efficient health system, focusing on preventing illness and early disease detection. The World Health Organisation advocates for strong primary healthcare as essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage. CHAG's support adds significant operational capacity and legitimacy to the government's ambitious health goals.
CHAG's facilities deliver between 13 and 14 percent of Ghana's healthcare services annually. These facilities serve between 8 and 10 million patients every year. CHAG also significantly contributes to Ghana's health workforce, with its 22 training institutions graduating approximately 3,400 health professionals each year. This unique positioning makes CHAG an invaluable partner in implementing the new policy.
Dr. Yeboah pointed to specific facilities like St. Martin de Porres Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. These examples demonstrate CHAG's long-standing commitment to serving remote communities, sometimes even border populations from neighboring countries. He stressed that CHAG facilities have consistently remained in communities where other providers often struggle to operate.
The successful implementation of this initiative will require robust collaboration among government, faith-based health providers, and development partners. CHAG stands ready to offer its infrastructure, workforce, and decades of experience. This collaborative approach is crucial to ensuring all Ghanaians receive quality healthcare, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.