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The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called on health professionals across the country to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and commitment in their operations to safeguard the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from collapse and ensure it continues to serve the needs of all Ghanaians. He made the call during the opening ceremony of the NHIA’s maiden Stakeholder Conference held at the Alisa Hotel, Accra on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The two day conference was themed, “Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme.” It brought together stakeholders in the health sector from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana, World Health Organization (WHO), Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, policymakers, traditional leaders, NHIA staff, and directors. Remarkable turnaround Dr. Akoriyea described the current transformation of Ghana’s health financing system as “a remarkable turnaround,” stressing the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining the gains made under the NHIS. Reflecting on his experience, he stated: “For the past twelve years, I served as Director of the Institutional Care Division (ICD) of the Ghana Health Service. At that time, whenever my phone rang, it was often a complaint about health insurance—people asking, ‘How are you going to help us get our money?’” He said the current situation marks a major improvement in the management of health insurance operations. “But today, I find myself telling my medical officers, medical superintendents, and medical directors, ‘Please submit your claims, because health insurance is waiting for you.’ What a remarkable turnaround,” he remarked, drawing applause from the audience. Dr. Akoriyea expressed appreciation to the Minister of Health and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, for their visionary leadership and collaboration in strengthening the scheme. “As we journey forward with determination to give the best to our future and to our children, I want to congratulate the Honourable Minister for all the directives he has been giving us. Let me also commend the CEO. For the first time, I can say that we have developed a strong working relationship. We meet almost every Sunday to discuss issues of health insurance and the state of our facilities—and that is truly remarkable,” he added. The GHS Director-General emphasized that rather than complain about challenges, stakeholders must focus on being part of the solution. “I do not stand here to complain or dwell on the difficulties. We all know the challenges that exist. I stand here to give my full support to the National Health Insurance Scheme,” he declared. Dr. Akoriyea cautioned medical directors and superintendents, against fraudulent practices that threaten the sustainability of the NHIS. “You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. If we decide to cheat, we are collapsing the system,” he cautioned. He challenged health professionals to match their patriotism with ethical conduct, noting that dishonesty in claims submission undermines national progress. “How will our nation be great and strong if we do not do great and strong things? How can our nation progress if we spend every moment trying to cheat in our claims?” he asked. Reaffirming his personal commitment to integrity in the health sector, Dr. Akoriyea declared: “Therefore, I pledge my full support to health insurance. And let me make this clear—if we catch anyone cheating, I will report them to the Minister, and they know exactly what that means.” He further urged all stakeholders to unite behind the vision of a transparent, efficient, and people-centred health insurance scheme: “Let us stand together for integrity, for accountability, and for a stronger National Health Insurance Scheme that truly serves the people of Ghana.” About The Author
