Mr Philimon Agyapong, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has addressed widespread misinformation by confirming that the tricycles—commonly known as “aboboyaa”—issued under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative are not intended to serve as ambulances.
His remarks align with recent clarifications from President John Dramani Mahama, who emphasised that these vehicles are designed to support health workers and volunteers in delivering community-based services to remote villages rather than providing emergency medical transport.
The president urged the public to disregard false claims, noting that the initiative launched in April 2026 is strictly focused on preventative care and accessibility.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Mr Agyapong explained that rural areas with dilapidated road networks stand to benefit the most from this rollout, as the tricycles allow practitioners to navigate difficult terrain with ease.
“Those in the deprived areas who lack access to health facilities such as district hospitals or regional hospitals will need access to healthcare,” Mr Agyapong stated. “In these areas, the roads are poor and difficult for vehicles to navigate. Therefore, community health nurses and volunteers who will be working in these areas are the ones who will use these tricycles. It will help them embark on their home visits and render their services. These are not ambulances because they cannot carry sick people.”
He further affirmed the readiness of health practitioners to ensure the programme’s success while calling on the government to fulfil its administrative responsibilities effectively. Specifically, he appealed for the consistent provision of logistics and resources to ensure the workforce remains efficient.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the government’s Free Primary Health Care Programme succeeds,” he added. “Our request to the government is to ensure that our logistics are always available and that maintenance and any other resources needed are provided.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
