14/08/2026
Upper West Regional Health Directorate Holds 2026 Half-Year Health Sector Performance Review and Launches Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
The Upper West Regional Health Directorate has held its 2026 Half-Year Health Sector Performance Review Meeting and Regional Launch of the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) Policy in Wa on Thursday, 13th August 2026.
The meeting, held under the theme “Advancing Universal Health Coverage through Free Primary Healthcare,” provided an important platform for the Directorate to present its achievements, challenges and the way forward to key stakeholders, partners and the media.
This year’s performance review was particularly significant as it also served as the platform for the regional launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, a major initiative aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services, particularly for people in underserved and rural communities.
The programme was chaired by Madam Florence Angsomwine, Chairperson of the Upper West Regional Health Committee.
In her remarks, Madam Angsomwine described the performance review as a step in the right direction, particularly given the focus on the Free Primary Healthcare Policy. She noted that such reviews provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges and work together towards improving healthcare delivery in the region.
In his opening remarks, the Upper West Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Josephat A. Nyuzaghl, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for attending the programme.
Dr. Nyuzaghl noted that this year’s performance review was unique because it coincided with the regional launch of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy. According to him, the policy has come at an opportune time and has the potential to save lives, particularly among people living in rural and underserved communities.
He disclosed that the Free Primary Healthcare Policy is currently being piloted in 10 out of the 11 districts in the Upper West Region.
Dr. Nyuzaghl further explained that the policy seeks to address existing inequities within the health sector and improve access to quality healthcare services. He also indicated that essential medical equipment had been received to support healthcare delivery.
Touching on maternal health, the Regional Director reported a 45 percent reduction in maternal mortality during the period under review, describing the achievement as an indication of the progress being made in the region’s health sector.
He emphasised that the Free Primary Healthcare Policy should not be viewed as charity but rather as an investment in the health and wellbeing of the population.
Dr. Nyuzaghl commended the government for introducing the policy and called on healthcare workers to play their respective roles to ensure its successful implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the Upper West Regional Minister, Pognaa Hajia Fati Koray delivered the keynote address and subsequently launched the Free Primary Healthcare Policy in the Upper West Region.
She described the theme of the programme as timely and relevant, stressing that access to healthcare should not be determined by a person’s geographical location.
Hajia Fati Koray assured stakeholders that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) would continue to support the Regional Health Directorate in its efforts to provide adequate and quality healthcare services to the people of the region.
She called on all Municipal and District Assemblies to continue prioritising health in their development plans.
She also urged the Health Directorate to strengthen resource management to ensure that resources allocated to the sector are utilised efficiently and effectively.
She commended the Health Directorate, government, development partners and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful implementation and launch of the policy in the region.
As part of the programme, the Regional Focal Person for Free Primary Healthcare, Mr. Ambrose Naawa, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the Free Primary Healthcare Policy Concept and Implementation Arrangements.
Other presentations included:
- NHIA Presentation on Free Primary Healthcare: Funding and collaborative activities
- Presentation on Key Health Service Indicators and Performance Trends-
- Dissemination of Ghana Health Service Guidelines.
The presentations provided participants with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the policy, review the region’s health sector performance and discuss strategies for addressing identified challenges.
The programme brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ghana National Ambulance Service, traditional authorities, departmental heads, health training institutions, health workers, development partners and other stakeholders within the health sector.
The presence of the various stakeholders contributed to the interactive nature of the programme and provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, raise concerns and contribute ideas towards improving healthcare delivery in the region.
PR Unit:
Upper West Regional Health Directorate
(0200737916)
