The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has commended President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr. Casely Ato Forson, and Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for their role in facilitating prompt claims reimbursements to healthcare service providers. This statement was made during the commissioning of the new Ajumako Enyan Essiam District Office on September 25, 2026.
The newly commissioned office replaces a small, rented facility that was not disability-friendly and often struggled to accommodate the daily volume of clients. The new office is part of Dr. Bampoe's three-point agenda for the Authority, which includes improving staff welfare and internal controls, restoring public confidence by eliminating illegal charges, and aligning NHIS operations with the government's flagship health policies.
To support operations in the district, Dr. Bampoe handed over the keys of a new Toyota Hilux pickup to the Central Regional Director and the Ajumako District Manager. The vehicle aims to address mobility challenges that have hampered enrolment, monitoring, and client follow-up in the large and dispersed district.
Dr. Bampoe charged officials to use the vehicle to register people in communities, markets, and schools, emphasizing that much is expected in return for the resources provided. He also cautioned that the vehicle is strictly for official duties and urged officials to ensure it is well maintained.
In response to providers' concerns over claims, the Authority has introduced a 50 percent increment in service tariffs. However, Dr. Bampoe cautioned healthcare providers against imposing illegal charges on subscribers, emphasizing that the NHIS covers certain services.
The Acting Central Regional Director of NHIA, Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson, expressed gratitude to management for the new office and vehicle, stating that they arrived at a critical time. He noted that active membership in the Central Region currently stands at about 66 percent, with a target of 80 percent by December.
The District Chief Executive for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Andrew Kojo Anderson, commended the NHIA for the gesture and pledged the Assembly's support in maintaining the facilities. He also praised the Authority's improved record on claims reimbursement.
Key points
- The NHIA has introduced a 50 percent increment in service tariffs in response to providers' concerns over claims.
- The new office and vehicle aim to improve operations and increase enrolment in the district.
- The NHIA is working to restore public confidence by eliminating illegal charges and aligning NHIS operations with government health policies.
