Copyright dailystatesman
By Bright Philip Donkor The government, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and key health sector stakeholders have reaffirmed their collective commitment to building a more transparent, inclusive and sustainable National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with a renewed focus on ending illegal co-payments, and improving public confidence in the system. This came to light during the opening ceremony of the NHIA’s maiden Stakeholder Conference held in Accra yesterday at the Alisa Hotel. 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. Speaking at the event, the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, commended the NHIA leadership, particularly Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe and his management team, for their dedication to repositioning the Authority as a strong pillar in Ghana’s health sector. He lauded the government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy, a major campaign promise in the 2024 NDC Manifesto, which he said had already released an additional GH¢3.4 billion into the Fund this year. “Ten months into our administration, we have uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy, making available an extra GH¢3.4 billion to support claim payments and administration. This timely injection is strengthening provider confidence, encouraging compliance, and driving enrolment growth,” he announced. Disbursement Mr. Akandoh further highlighted that, as of October 2025, the NHIA had disbursed GH¢2.8 billion to healthcare providers, with a new “front-payment” system being introduced to ensure prompt claim settlements. He also commended the Authority’s efforts to digitalise its operations, noting that the rollout of biometric membership authentication devices at healthcare facilities would help reduce fraud, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability. The Health Minister, however, raised concerns about the growing menace of unauthorised charges, commonly referred to as co-payments, at some credentialed facilities. He described the practice as illegal and contrary to the spirit of the NHIS, cautioning that such charges undermine the scheme’s purpose of equitable healthcare access. “Co-payment, though legitimate elsewhere, is not accepted in Ghana. These illegal fees erode public trust, deepen inequality, and place an undue burden on the poor and vulnerable. This practice must be addressed decisively,” he stressed. He threw his weight behind the NHIA’s newly launched Zero Tolerance for CoPayments Campaign, which includes the establishment of a national task force with regional and district structures to investigate and recommend lasting solutions to the problem. He also called on the NHIA to intensify public education across communities, schools, churches, and markets to raise awareness of the rights and benefits available to NHIS members. Commitment In his remarks, NHIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, reaffirmed the Authority’s determination to build a stronger, more credible institution that places the welfare of citizens at the centre of its operations. He said the Authority was committed to strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers, development partners, and civil society groups to improve service delivery and ensure financial sustainability. The NHIA CEO stressed that the NHIA’s mission could only succeed through accountable partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, healthcare providers, civil society, development partners, and the general public. He mentioned that, to ensure adherence, a Stakeholder Oversight Committee would be established to monitor the implementation of all conference resolutions. Dr. Bampoe cited the government’s vision for a comprehensive healthcare system championed by President John Dramani Mahama, emphasising the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He mentioned that, notably, the President’s decision to remove the cap on the National Health Insurance Fund has injected an additional GH¢3.4 billion into the health sector. “The NHIA has already leveraged these resources to expand the NHIS, roll out the Free Primary Healthcare Initiative, and establish the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (“Mahama Cares”). The NHIS currently covers over 15.65 million active members, representing a rise of more than 670,000 from last year, and aims to reach 20 million people by year-end. “Revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy for 2025 has grown to GH¢9.76 billion, up from GH¢6.52 billion in 2024, enabling the Authority to improve provider payments, expand service coverage, and strengthen health delivery nationwide,” he indicated. Commendation Representing the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, commended the NHIA and the Ministry of Health for aligning their efforts with President Mahama’s broader vision for universal health coverage by 2030. He noted that the government’s decision to uncap the NHIS Fund demonstrated a clear political will to resource the Authority adequately and sustain the progress being made in healthcare financing. “The President’s commitment to universal health coverage is unwavering. The uncap of the Fund, the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Care, popularly known as Mahama Care, and the rollout of Free Primary Healthcare are clear indicators of this administration’s people-centered approach,” the Chief of Staff emphasised. Challenges Mr. Debrah condemned the continued imposition of unauthorised co-payments by some healthcare providers. “These illegal charges erode public trust, deepen inequality, and undermine the purpose of the National Health Insurance Scheme,” he said. He welcomed the NHIA’s Zero Tolerance Campaign and the establishment of a national task force to investigate and recommend solutions. The Chief of Staff further called for intensified public education to clarify misconceptions about the scheme and encourage wider enrollment. “We must go beyond our offices, into communities, schools, churches, mosques, markets, and lorry parks, to educate Ghanaians about their rights under the NHIS and the services available to them,” he said. He stressed that stressed that through sustained partnerships, integrity, and innovation, Ghana could build a National Health Insurance Scheme that is truly resilient, inclusive, and capable of delivering on its promise to every citizen. About The Author
