Former President John Dramani Mahama has made a major promise to Ghanaians, saying he will provide free primary healthcare if he is elected in December 2024.
Speaking during his campaign in Goripie in the Wa East District, Mahama explained that people will no longer need a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card to access basic healthcare at local clinics, CHPS centres, health centres, and polyclinics.
Mahama outlined his “Community Healthcare Programme,” which will bring healthcare services directly to communities. Under this plan, NHIS cards will only be required for secondary healthcare at larger hospitals.
“We want to ensure every Ghanaian can access healthcare without worrying about insurance. We’ll recruit health workers to visit homes, check blood pressure, sugar levels, and prevent diseases like hypertension and diabetes,” Mahama said.
This programme also aims to create jobs, as Mahama plans to hire community health workers nationwide. These workers will be trained to provide basic health services and prevent illnesses in local communities.
In addition to healthcare, Mahama has promised to provide fair job opportunities by recruiting people into security services like the police and fire service based on their skills, not academic qualifications. Whether you’re a driver, plumber, or dressmaker, Mahama said your skills certificate will be enough for recruitment.
He also promised to set up farmer service centres to help improve agriculture and said that first-year tertiary students will not have to pay school fees under his government.
Community leaders in Wa East welcomed these promises, asking Mahama to improve their roads, electrification, and healthcare facilities. The Paramount Chief of Daffiama even requested that the local health centre be upgraded to a polyclinic.
Mahama’s message is clear: he is focused on improving healthcare, creating jobs, and lifting the burden on Ghanaians. With these promises, he aims to bring hope and change to the people as the 2024 elections approach.
