During a visit to Bodom, Nkoranza North, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama unveiled ambitious plans to address longstanding healthcare and education disparities in Ghana. At the commissioning of a newly built maternity and children’s ward, Mahama, alongside his wife, Lordina Mahama, highlighted his commitment to making healthcare universally accessible and affordable, particularly for marginalized communities across the country.
Mahama criticized the current healthcare landscape, pointing out that prohibitive costs and a lack of adequate infrastructure have left many Ghanaians struggling to access essential medical services. His proposed solution includes the introduction of free primary healthcare for all Ghanaians, a key initiative he vowed to champion if elected in the December elections. “It’s not just about the absence of healthcare facilities; it’s the financial barriers that often prevent Ghanaians from accessing the care they need,” Mahama remarked. He emphasized that healthcare accessibility must be treated as a priority rather than a privilege, pledging his administration’s commitment to expand and upgrade healthcare infrastructure across the country.
In addition to healthcare reform, Mahama announced a new educational initiative aimed at empowering young girls. He pledged to introduce a free sanitary pads program for secondary school girls, designed to combat the high rates of absenteeism among female students due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. “Far too many girls are forced to miss school every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads,” Mahama explained. “This program will not only safeguard their health but also ensure that they can continue their education without interruption.”
Mahama argued that this initiative would have a lasting impact on female students’ academic performance and overall well-being, helping close the gender gap in educational attainment. “By addressing both healthcare and educational barriers, we are investing in a healthier, more educated generation,” he concluded.
As the December elections draw near, Mahama’s pledges for a more inclusive healthcare system and support for female students through the sanitary pad program have sparked conversations on Ghana’s social welfare priorities, with many citizens seeing these commitments as essential steps toward greater equity and opportunity for all.
