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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has directed the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to organise a mass registration exercise for courtiers at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. This is to enhance healthcare access and ensure that his over 800 courtiers receive the necessary support. “I want you to enrol all people here at the Palace on the NHI roll. It will be compulsory for all of them to register,” Otumfuo said during a courtesy visit by the Management and Board Members of the Authority on November 5, 2025. The NHIA is targeting 20 million new registrants by the end of 2025. Updating the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, said the NHI was running smoothly. “Payment is made promptly. By the end of this year, we might register a record 20 million people, but we are confronted with a challenge.” He raised concerns about the issue of co-payment and the imposition of all unauthorised fees on NHIS members as a major setback. “We want to put an end to that, and we seek the prayers of Otumfuo to be able to do that,” he added. Improve Service The King, in his remarks, challenged the new management and Board to put in place the needed measures to sanitise the system to make the insurance scheme efficient and effective. “Health is key to national development, and that was why the NHIA was established so that citizens can enjoy free health care. I’m glad to hear you now pay promptly. Put in place the needed measures to make it effective.” Otumfuo advised that they engage key stakeholders in the value chain to underscore the need for honesty. “Engage health facilities, pharmacies, and health personnel so that there will be honesty. Cost escalation, inadequate monitoring mechanisms, inadequate client education, and limited community engagement are fueling all these concerns.” The Monarch also counselled them to sensitise the public against out-of-pocket payments at the various accredited health facilities. Story by Hajara Fuseini
