By Philip Antoh
The Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, has urged Ghanaians to safeguard the two social intervention policies that have been launched: the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) and the Free Primary Healthcare.
He described these initiatives as essential lifesaving policies and emphasized that no government should try to abandon them.
The Paramount chief made these accessions during his visit to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, where he highlighted that both programs are vital for enhancing Ghana’s healthcare system.
He stressed the importance of protecting them beyond political changes and suggested that they should be included in the country’s legal framework, ideally in the Constitution, to ensure ongoing support and stability in healthcare services.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund created to offer financial assistance for treating chronic non-communicable diseases, which are responsible for nearly 45 percent of all deaths in Ghana.
By complementing the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Fund helps cover expensive treatments, advanced medical equipment, and specialist care that many ordinary citizens cannot afford. Its main aim is to reduce the financial strain on families while improving access to essential, life-saving medical services.
Similarly, the Free Primary Healthcare initiative aims to provide necessary health services at no cost at the first point of contact.
Focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment of common illnesses, this policy aims to eliminate financial obstacles and promote early healthcare-seeking behavior among Ghanaians.
“These interventions help and stabilize health systems around the world,” the Akuapemhene remarked, comparing them to established healthcare systems in places like the United States.
He praised President John Dramani Mahama for promoting similar efforts in Ghana and emphasized the importance of ongoing public education and advocacy to safeguard them.
“I want to make this point clear—these interventions should be included in Ghana’s Constitution so that no future government can undo them and jeopardize our healthcare stability,” he declared.
The Chief’s visit, along with members of his royal household, was more than just an official duty. It was also a personal mission to check on one of his own, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, who is the Administrator of the Fund. He aimed to learn about her experiences, the challenges she faces, and to provide his support and royal blessing.
His presence was a strong endorsement of the Fund’s efforts, highlighting its increasing influence across communities nationwide.
Speaking to the team, he encouraged them to stay committed to their mission and to continue serving with dedication, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose.
In reply, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku expressed deep appreciation for the Chief’s visit and support, calling the gesture both humbling and inspiring, and promised to work hard to make Okuapeman proud.
She also updated the Chief and his group on the Fund’s goals, stressing the need for nationwide support to maintain and grow its life-saving initiatives.
The visit ultimately reinforced a larger national message—that healthcare initiatives like the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and Free Primary Healthcare are not just policies, but crucial lifelines whose ongoing existence is essential for the well-being of all Ghanaians.