Government Expands Free Primary Healthcare as Women’s Development Bank Nears Launch

Ghana’s government is accelerating efforts to expand access to healthcare and women’s financial inclusion, with the nationwide rollout of free primary healthcare gathering pace and the long-awaited Women’s Development Bank set to begin operations before the end of the year.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the first phase of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, launched in April 2026, is targeting 150 underserved districts across the country.

The programme is aimed at ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services regardless of income or geographical location.

To strengthen frontline healthcare delivery, government has distributed more than 24,000 pieces of medical equipment to health facilities nationwide, covering diagnostics, emergency response, maternal health and neonatal care.

The Ministry has also deployed motorbikes, tricycles and mobile outreach equipment to improve access to healthcare in remote communities, while expanding community screening programmes for hypertension, diabetes, cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Construction of health kiosks, container-based health posts and the upgrading of existing primary healthcare facilities are also underway as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s primary healthcare system.

Beyond healthcare, the Finance Minister announced significant progress towards establishing the Women’s Development Bank, one of the Mahama administration’s flagship financial inclusion initiatives.

According to Dr. Forson, the institution was formally incorporated as WDB Ghana Limited on January 26, 2026, and has since applied to the Bank of Ghana for a banking licence.

To satisfy regulatory capital requirements, the Ministry of Finance has deposited GH¢400 million with the central bank as the institution’s initial paid-up capital.

The Women’s Development Bank is expected to commence full operations before the end of 2026, providing dedicated financial services and credit support to women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses.

The twin initiatives reflect government’s broader strategy of combining social investment with financial inclusion as part of its long-term development agenda.