The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has thrown its weight behind the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, describing the initiatives as critical interventions to expand healthcare access and ease the financial burden on vulnerable Ghanaians.
Speaking at the opening of the Seventh Development and Social Services Consultation Forum at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre in Abokobi, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, said the Church remains committed to supporting policies that advance Universal Health Coverage .
“The Presbyterian Church supports policies that remove barriers to healthcare and advance universal access to quality health services,” the Moderator stated.
He noted that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which emphasises preventive care, routine screening, and basic treatment at no cost, had the potential to transform primary healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The programme was launched in April 2026 and is currently operational in 135 districts across all 16 regions, with 4,447 facilities participating .
MahamaCares Targets Chronic Disease Burden
Rt. Rev. Dr Opare Kwakye welcomed the operationalisation of MahamaCares, describing it as a timely intervention for individuals and families grappling with the high cost of treating chronic non-communicable diseases and other conditions requiring specialised care.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established by an Act of Parliament to provide financial assistance for chronic conditions including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, stroke, and diabetes—services not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme . The Fund complements the NHIS by supporting specialised treatment, medicines, diagnostic services, and surgeries for eligible patients .
Church’s Healthcare Footprint
Highlighting the Church’s contribution to national healthcare delivery, the Moderator said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana operates 61 health facilities across 13 regions, employs more than 4,300 personnel, and provides approximately 1,600 hospital beds . The Church’s Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges also play a strategic role in producing healthcare professionals who serve in both public and private institutions.
Government Seeks Faith-Based Partnerships
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr Mavis Sakyi commended the Presbyterian Church for its longstanding contribution to healthcare delivery and acknowledged it as a key partner in Ghana’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.
Dr Sakyi reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with faith-based healthcare providers and highlighted ongoing measures to improve NHIS reimbursements and healthcare financing. The NHIA began partial implementation of a 50% tariff increase in August 2026, with full implementation expected by October, alongside the rollout of the One-Time Attendance Code to curb claims leakages .
She also invited the Presbyterian Church and other faith-based organisations to explore partnership opportunities in the completion and management of selected Agenda 111 hospital projects. The government has prioritised 35 hospitals that are at least 70% complete for completion this year, with faith-based organisations encouraged to adopt some of the remaining projects .
The forum reaffirmed the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s commitment to holistic ministry through healthcare, social intervention, and human development, while strengthening partnerships with the government and development partners to improve the well-being and dignity of all Ghanaians.
