Mahama Eyes Red Cross for Free Primary Healthcare Support

President John Mahama has revealed plans to enlist the support of civil society volunteers in the rollout of the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme.

The President disclosed this when the President of the Ghana Red Cross Society, Dr Edward Donkor, and Dr Ghulam Mohammed Awam, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Abuja Cluster, paid a courtesy call on him.

“So, we’re attacking the challenges on two fronts, one with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund called Mahama Care, and then with the Free Primary Healthcare,” he stated.

According to President Mahama, the Free Primary Healthcare Programme is intended to bolster existing healthcare access and treatment initiatives, ultimately contributing to a healthier population. He emphasized the preventative nature of the program.

“It is supposed to be a wellness activity, preventive, so that we reduce the disease burden, especially when it comes to non-communicable diseases. A lot of times, people get a cardiac incident because they don’t even know that they are hypertensive,” the President explained.

He further announced that the 2026 Budget includes an allocation of GH₵2.1 billion to establish the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares). The registration portal for the fund, which will cater to patients with critical illnesses like cancer, liver, and kidney diseases, is expected to open soon.

The Red Cross Society delegation used the visit to update President Mahama, their Patron, on their accomplishments and to highlight challenges needing immediate attention.

President Mahama commended the Ghana Red Cross Society for its impactful work over the years and pledged government support through budgetary allocations to facilitate its operations. The Ghana Red Cross Society is a volunteer organization dedicated to disaster response, first aid training, health education, and community support to alleviate suffering.

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