Administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, has described the government’s free primary healthcare policy as transformative, particularly for rural communities.
Speaking in an interview with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on GH Today on GHOne TV on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, he said “this Primary Healthcare is going to be a game-changer.”
He emphasised the policy’s strong focus on prevention and health promotion. “If you look at the recovery area, what it intends doing, preventing is very key. Promotion as well,” he said.
According to him, trained personnel will be deployed to deliver services directly within communities. “People are going to be trained to be moving to the communities,” he noted, adding that the initiative will largely target rural areas.
“In fact, it’s going to target our rural areas… and I’ve seen that majority of the areas that the primary health care is going to cover come from the rural areas,” he said.
Rashid-Computer highlighted key health conditions to be addressed under the programme, including malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health. “We have a lot of people who have that challenge… and it’s going to be free.” He said.
He described the initiative as timely and beneficial, noting that access will be simple. “All you need to do is to have a national ID… and you are good to go,” he explained.
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He further disclosed that services will be extended to everyday locations such as markets and churches to improve accessibility. “They are going to open it at public centres like markets and even big churches,” he added.
Rashid-Computer also praised the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, for implementing the policy. “A promise made, promise kept, promise delivered,” he said, adding that many Ghanaians are satisfied with the current leadership.
He stressed that the initiative will reduce financial barriers to healthcare. “Nobody’s going to worry… that they don’t have money to go to hospital. Primary health care is coming to your doorstep,” he stated.
However, he urged citizens to take responsibility for sanitation and hygiene, warning that poor environmental practices contribute to health challenges. He called on the Ghana Health Service to strengthen enforcement of sanitation regulations.
Rashid-Computer concluded by urging continued public support for the initiative, expressing confidence that it will significantly improve access to healthcare while promoting preventive practices nationwide.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Abigail Praise Pabai
