The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage in Ghana has risen from 57% to approximately 70% in less than two years. This increase is attributed to measures introduced by the government to strengthen the scheme. The Minister made this statement at the Ministry of Health's Sector Update Engagement in Accra on October 7, 2026.
One of the key measures implemented by the government was the decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy. This move has significantly increased funding available to the scheme. As a result, funding for the NHIS rose from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025. The increased funding has enabled the scheme to expand its coverage and improve healthcare services for Ghanaians.
In addition to increasing funding, the government has also improved payments to healthcare providers. The Minister stated that payments to healthcare providers have been increased by an average of 50%. This move aims to address delays in the settlement of claims owed to healthcare providers and ensure that facilities can continue providing care to NHIS members.
The increased payments to healthcare providers are part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen the health insurance system and improve access to healthcare for Ghanaians. The Minister emphasized that increased funding and improved payments to service providers are critical to sustaining the scheme and ensuring that beneficiaries can access healthcare without unnecessary financial barriers.
The NHIS has been a crucial component of Ghana's healthcare system, providing financial protection to citizens and residents. The scheme has enabled millions of people to access healthcare services, reducing the financial burden on individuals and families. The Minister's announcement is a significant development in the country's efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to healthcare services.
The government's efforts to strengthen the NHIS have been welcomed by stakeholders, including healthcare providers and beneficiaries. The increased funding and improved payments to healthcare providers are expected to improve the quality of healthcare services and increase access to healthcare for Ghanaians. The Minister's statement highlights the government's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and increasing access to healthcare services.
The NHIS coverage increase to 70% is a significant achievement for the government and the Ministry of Health. The Minister's statement emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to strengthen the scheme and improve access to healthcare for Ghanaians. The government's measures to increase funding and improve payments to healthcare providers are critical to sustaining the scheme and ensuring that beneficiaries can access healthcare without unnecessary financial barriers.
Key points
- NHIS coverage has increased to 70% from 57% in less than two years.
- The government has increased funding for the NHIS from GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025.
- Payments to healthcare providers have been increased by an average of 50% to improve healthcare services.
