Effective Planning Key to NHIA’s Success — Dr. Djokoto | 11/5/2025

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Deputy Chief Executive of Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, has underscored the crucial role of effective planning in driving the success of the Authority and advancing Ghana’s health coverage goals. According to him, the success of the NHIA depends greatly on the quality of planning at the regional and directorate levels, stressing that a well-prepared Programme of Work is not just a requirement but “the roadmap that guides the Authority's performance and ensures that every initiative contributes meaningfully to its mission.”

Dr. Djokoto made these remarks during the second day of the 2026 Programme of Work Workshop, organised by the NHIA’s Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation (RPME) Directorate in Kumasi. He indicated that the NHIA’s pursuit of excellence in planning and coordination is central to achieving the national goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). “We are on the highway to achieving Universal Health Coverage. There is no room for impediment. Through effective planning, coordination, and execution, we can ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality and affordable healthcare,” he stated.

Dr. Djokoto highlighted that Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) remains one of the most celebrated in Africa, second only to Rwanda in progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. He emphasised that sustaining this achievement requires strategic and coordinated planning across all levels of the Authority. He also commended the RPME Directorate for its proactive approach to institutional strengthening and lauded participants for their enthusiasm and commitment, describing the exercise as “a critical step toward consolidating the Authority’s achievements.”

Participants described the workshop as timely and transformative, particularly as the Authority prepares to enter a new operational year. They applauded the RPME Directorate for promoting evidence-based planning and fostering stronger collaboration across NHIA structures.

By the end of the two-day workshop, participants had developed draft frameworks for their 2026 POW, outlining key activities, indicators, expected outputs, and timelines. These drafts will undergo review and harmonisation to ensure alignment with the NHIA’s strategic priorities.

The RPME Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to providing continuous technical support and guidance, adding that it plans to strengthen its monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and ensure accountability in implementing the 2026 Programme of Work.