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The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has lauded the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for its remarkable transformation over the years, emphasizing the importance of strong domestic resource mobilization, leadership accountability, and decisive action against illegal co-payments in the country’s health system. He gave the commendation 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. Hon. Akandoh commended the NHIA and its management team for their strategic leadership and reforms. He highlighted the evolution of the NHIA from its inception to its current form, commending the institution for its resilience and growth. “The National Health Insurance Authority has gone through remarkable transformations, from its pilot phase, to the mutual health insurance scheme, and finally to the robust national health insurance system we have today,” he stated. Government commitment Hon. Akandoh attributed the sustainability of the NHIS to the government’s commitment to domestic resource mobilization, describing it as the bedrock of financial independence and stability. “It is not by coincidence that we have a sustainable national health insurance scheme at the moment. It is because it is anchored on domestic resource mobilization, something we must never take for granted,” he said. He explained that reliance on domestic financing has freed the scheme from the uncertainty of external funding cuts, allowing resources to be allocated effectively. “When you have strong domestic resource mobilization, there are no strings attached, and you can invest the resources where they are most needed. That is exactly what we are witnessing at this point in time.” The Health Minister further thanked the heads of various agencies under the Ministry of Health for their performance and commitment. “Before I proceed, allow me to commend all the CEOs within the Ministry of Health who are doing a tremendous job. I hear of the HEFRA on the move, and my indefatigable Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Bampoe — my victor — I am very, very proud of all of you,” he remarked. Need for improvement Touching on the need for continuous improvement, Hon. Akandoh urged health administrators and managers to focus on problem-solving rather than self-congratulation. “It is important that we all work together to strengthen public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme, so that more people will be encouraged to come on board,” he noted. “For me, I always tell our CEOs that as a leader, you must constantly focus on solving problems. Once you solve one problem, you move on to the next. Leadership is not about celebrating a solution; it is about continuously identifying and addressing the next challenge.” He also highlighted key achievements made by the Mahama administration in improving the NHIS, particularly the removal of the cap on the National Health Insurance Fund. “By the grace of God, Your Royal Majesty, today the capping of the National Health Insurance Fund is a thing of the past — a promise that was made and kept by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama,” he declared. Issue of tariffs On the issue of tariffs, Hon. Akandoh assured service providers that government was taking swift action to address their concerns. “As you heard from the CEO, we are expediting action, and very soon service providers will see, hear, and feel the implementation of realistic tariffs, as they have long advocated,” he assured. While acknowledging the progress made, the Minister pointed out that challenges remain, notably the issue of illegal co-payments within the health sector. “Today, we no longer hear of service withdrawals due to delayed payments. But, of course, challenges still remain. We must be honest with ourselves and focus on addressing them. And what is this challenge? It is the illegal payments within the health sector — popularly known as co-payment,” he stressed. He emphasized the need for accountability and stronger regulatory enforcement to eliminate such practices, which, he said, undermine public confidence in the scheme. “As an insurance institution, when your clients are satisfied, that is when you too are satisfied. Yet, on the ground, the ordinary citizen often says, ‘When I go to the health facility, I am asked to pay more.’ This means there is a need for us to act — and act aggressively.” Hon. Akandoh added, “Those who perform well must be recognized and appreciated, while those engaging in illegalities must be firmly pursued.” Government agenda The Minister reaffirmed that the government’s health agenda under President Mahama extends beyond strengthening the NHIS to include other complementary interventions designed to enhance the national health system. “Your Royal Majesty, the uncovering and strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme is not the only initiative of His Excellency the President. There are other complementary interventions designed to support and enhance the national health system,” he said. He further revealed that the implementation of the MahamaCare initiative, is already underway. “The Administrator for the National Health Insurance under MahamaCare has spoken, and as you all know, the law has been passed, assented to, and an administrator appointed,” he announced. About The Author
