Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, says the government is planning to deliver free primary healthcare services across the country starting in 2026 as part of its efforts to enhance the nation’s healthcare system.
In an effort to improve healthcare delivery, the government is getting ready to send 700 doctors to different regions of the nation.
In his remarks on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, he stated, “The government is also set to engage the private sector to complete the Agenda 111 Hospitals and their management.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister for Finance, presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, highlighting important steps to enhance Ghana’s economy.
With a predicted GDP growth of 6.3% in 2025, powered by the mining, industrial, and agricultural sectors, the budget with the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation” concentrated on job creation, accountability, and prosperity for all.
The Minister’s announcement of tax reforms, including the elimination of the COVID-19 fee, a decrease in the VAT rate, and an increase in the VAT registration threshold to assist small enterprises, was one of the presentation’s main highlights.
In terms of revenue measures, Dr. Forson extended the Special Import Levy, raised the Growth and Sustainability Levy for mining companies, and instituted road tolls. He also stated that inflation was expected to fall to 8% by October 2025, which is less than the 11.9% predicted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Mr Speaker, the budget also focuses on job creation, accountability, and prosperity for all, with a targeted inflation rate of 8 per cent by October 2025, below the IMF’s 11.9 per cent forecast,” Dr Forson told Parliament.
Additionally, Mr. Akandoh informed Parliament that the “government has announced plans to pay GH¢231 million to nurses as part of their allowances within the next two weeks” in an effort to alleviate the financial difficulties experienced by medical workers.
He clarified that this came after a previous GH¢500 million payment.
The government’s proactive approach to meeting the requirements of healthcare professionals and its focus to enhancing the healthcare infrastructure, according to the Health Minister, demonstrated its commitment to provide all Ghanaians high-quality healthcare services.
The remark on the budget, which began on Tuesday, November 11, is likely to be closed on Wednesday, November 26, by the Majority and Minority leaders of the House.
Source: newsthemegh.com