An Investigation into the Implementation Processes of Ghana’s Primary Health Care Strategy: The Community-Based Health Planning and Services Programme.

Abstract

Background: Ghana has adopted the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) programme as the public health strategy for meeting its universal health goals. The programme is facing implementation challenges that are affecting its expansion within the communities. This research was undertaken to examine the implementation processes of CHPS and suggest solutions to improve its scaling-up within the communities.Method : An exploratory research design was used with a mixed method approach that involved the testing of a hypothesis. Results : The study found that in places with on-going CHPS programmes, there is statistically significant (p<0.001) evidence that the implementation processes are not flawed. However, the district assemblies were selective in the allocation of CHPS zones within the communities. Conclusion : Chieftaincy conflicts within the communities are impeding the community entry aspect of the CHPS policy implementation processes and needs to be addressed by policy makers in the relevant government agencies.