The Ahafo Region in Ghana has made significant strides towards achieving universal health coverage, with 87% of its population covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as of 2025. This achievement surpasses the region's target by 10%. The NHIA has attributed this success to the region's commitment to implementing the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system, which has helped strengthen accountability and reduce identity fraud.
To further improve access to health insurance services, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commissioned a new district office in Asunafo South. The office aims to bring NHIA services closer to residents, particularly in remote communities. The NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, emphasized that the new office is not just about providing a new building but about improving the quality of service delivered to the people.
Dr. Bampoe congratulated the Ahafo Region for sustaining its performance but cautioned that the achievement should be seen as a milestone rather than the end of the journey. He urged regional and district teams to build on the progress by ensuring that every eligible resident is registered and active membership is sustained. The CEO also commended Ahafo for being the first region to implement the OTAC system.
The Ahafo Regional Director of the NHIA, George Mawuli, expressed appreciation to Dr. Bampoe and the Executive Management of the Authority for supporting the region with logistics. He attributed the region's success to the commitment, innovation, and determination of staff. However, he appealed for continued support in logistics, staffing, infrastructure, and internet connectivity to enable the region to sustain its performance.
During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bampoe charged staff of the new office to work with professionalism, integrity, patience, compassion, and urgency. He emphasized that the quality of service delivered must reflect the quality of the new facility. The CEO also appealed to healthcare providers to stop charging NHIS Members illegal fees for services covered under the scheme.
The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardener, commended the NHIA for expanding its presence at the local level and urged stakeholders to support the effective use of the new facility. The Asunafo South District Chief Executive, Yinkah Benjamin, welcomed the investment and pledged the Assembly's support to the NHIA and other stakeholders to ensure that the facility achieved its intended purpose.
In response to an appeal from the Ahafo Regional Director, Dr. Bampoe pledged to provide the Ahafo Region with a brand-new vehicle to strengthen field monitoring, community engagement, and service delivery. The region has successfully rolled out the OTAC system across the region, making it the first region to do so. With a population of over 90,000 people, the NHIA's responsibility in the region is significant.
Key points
- Ahafo Region achieves 87% population coverage under NHIS, exceeding its target by 10%.
- NHIA commissions new district office in Asunafo South to improve access to health insurance services.
- Region attributed success to implementation of One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system.
