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The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance
Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, is continuing his regional tours
aimed at galvanising staff and stakeholder support in strengthening the
National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and advancing key government policies
across four more regions.
The regions are Ahafo, Western, Western North, and Central.
The visit, which began at Goaso in the Ahafo Region on
Monday, August 25, 2025, marked the tenth region Dr. Bampoe has toured as part
of his ongoing engagements with staff and stakeholders.
The initiative is designed to familiarise him with
developments within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at all levels,
engage stakeholders, and solicit their support to strengthen the Scheme, which
has been identified as a key pillar in delivering President John Dramani
Mahama’s vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). It is also meant to align NHIA staff and stakeholders with
the government’s broader UHC agenda.
Dr. Bampoe was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Executive in
charge of Administration and Human Resource, Mr Raphael Segkpeb; Acting
Director of Corporate Affairs, Oswald Essuah-Mensah; Acting Director of Claims,
Dr. Abigail Derkyi-Kwarteng Codjoe; Acting Director of Membership and Regional
Operations, Sebastian Alagpulinsa; and Head of Corporate Communications,
Faustina Dery.
The itinerary, spanning six days, will also take the Chief
Executive to Wiawso, Tarkwa, Takoradi, and Cape Coast, where he is expected to
participate in the Central Region’s Expo 25, a trade and investment fair.
Day one
On the first day of the tour, the delegation paid courtesy
calls on the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda; the
Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardner; the Goaso Government Hospital and the
Goaso Traditional Council ahead of a regional staff durbar.
At each stop, Dr. Bampoe highlighted three priorities
guiding the Authority’s work under his leadership, all aligned with President
Mahama’s UHC vision.
He outlined these priorities as supporting the delivery of
the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) and the Free Primary Healthcare for
All policy, enhancing staff welfare, and eliminating illegal charges and
fraudulent claims under the NHIS.
He explained that government’s UHC strategy rests on three
pillars—the National Health Insurance Scheme, the newly launched Mahama Cares
initiative targeting non-communicable diseases, and the Free Primary Health
Care policy.
“This is the President’s vision, and our work must strictly
align with it,” Dr. Bampoe stressed.
He emphasised that these government policies are designed to
complement the NHIS in delivering end-to-end healthcare services toward UHC.
He highlighted interventions enhancing the Scheme, such as
the uncapping of the NHIL, which has resulted in increased funding and prompt
payment of claims.
Illegal Charges and Fraudulent Claims
He however bemoaned persisting operational challenges
confronting the Scheme, regardless of government effort.
He mentioned the challenges to include the illegal practice
of out-of-pocket payments, often misrepresented as “co-payments,” where NHIS
members are charged for services already covered under the benefit package.
“Let us call it what it is—illegal payments. It is
embarrassing that in this day and age, we still have out-of-pocket payments for
services already covered by the NHIS. We must work together to eliminate it,”
he charged.
On fraudulent claims, the CEO cautioned both staff and
health facilities to desist from practices that undermine the Scheme.
Staff Welfare
Turning to staff welfare, Dr. Bampoe stressed that a
motivated workforce is critical to the NHIA’s transformation agenda.
He introduced initiatives spearheaded by Deputy Chief
Executive Raphael Segkpeb to improve staff wellbeing, including the
establishment of a credit union, a proposed vehicle acquisition scheme, and a
more equitable system for training and career development.
“Raphael and I have agreed that whenever training lists are
drawn, there must be space for staff from the regions and district offices, not
just headquarters. It may not mean everyone will go at once, but it shows that
your interests are at heart,” he assured.
“We are here to listen to you. Feel free to speak your
mind,” he encouraged.
NHIA Chief Inspires Ahafo Regional Staff, Reaffirms
Commitment to UHC
Dr. Bampoe urged staff of the Authority in the Ahafo Region
to remain proud of their role in driving Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage
(UHC) agenda, reminding them that they are part of a globally respected
institution delivering life-changing services to millions.
He described the NHIA workforce as highly dedicated,
intelligent, and focused professionals who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with
their peers anywhere in the world. “I am so proud to be heading this organisation at this time.
Everywhere I go, I tell people that the NHIA has very smart and very dedicated
people. You must be proud of yourselves,” he told staff.
While acknowledging challenges ranging from promotions to
welfare, Dr. Bampoe encouraged staff not to lose sight of the bigger mission.
“We have a fantastic mission: to achieve universal health
coverage and deliver end-to-end healthcare for all Ghanaians. We are in a
position to change things. Even as we think about our salaries and promotions,
let us also remember the greater good.”
He disclosed that Executive Management is committed to
addressing welfare-related concerns such as promotions, career progression, and
access to financial support.
Among initiatives announced were a comprehensive
human resource audit to resolve disparities, the establishment of a staff
credit union, and a fairer distribution of training and capacity-building
opportunities.
Staff across the regions also had the opportunity to share
views, ideas, and recommendations on improving NHIA operations.
Mr Segkpeb
Mr. Segkpeb also took time to address several human resource
concerns raised by staff. He assured them that anomalies in staff welfare,
including delayed promotions, were being rigorously addressed. He reaffirmed
the CEO’s commitment to ensuring fair participation of staff across the country
in both local and international capacity-building opportunities.
He further highlighted the staff credit union initiative
introduced by Dr. Bampoe to help address difficulties in accessing quick funds,
particularly in times of need, and urged all staff to subscribe to the laudable
scheme when launched.
Mr. Segkpeb also recommended other financial protection
measures that staff could adopt to safeguard their finances and ensure security
in retirement.
The Ahafo Regional Director of NHIA, George Mawuli, reported
that membership coverage in the region has reached 76 percent of the
population, ranking Ahafo third nationwide, with confidence of reaching the 80
percent target for UHC by December 2025.
Mr. Mawuli, however, drew attention to staffing shortages,
inadequate vehicles, and poor office infrastructure in some districts,
appealing for urgent support.
He commended the CEO’s strong stance against illegal
charges.
Citations were presented to Dr. Bampoe and Deputy Chief
Executive Raphael Segkpeb in recognition of their leadership and commitment to
staff welfare.
NHIA CEO Pays Courtesy Call on Alhaji Collins Dauda in Ahafo
Dr. Bampoe and his team called on one of Ghana’s
longest-serving legislators, Alhaji Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South.
He briefed the MP on progress made under the Scheme,
particularly government’s timely release of funds through the uncapping of the
NHIL, which has enabled the NHIA to achieve debt-free status and ensure prompt
claims payment to providers.
Dr. Bampoe, however, expressed concern about persistent
illegal charges by credentialed facilities and fraudulent claims submissions.
He cited the recent sanctioning of the Akim Oda Government Hospital and its
ordered refund of GH?312,413.51 as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence
in the Scheme.
Alhaji Collins Dauda warmly welcomed the delegation,
commending the NHIA’s leadership and government for restoring confidence in the
Scheme.
He praised Dr. Bampoe for “touching base with the grassroots
rather than relying only on reports from the office,” describing it as a
critical step in restoring trust. He urged the Authority to strengthen
engagement with Parliament, intensify monitoring of facilities, and continue
imposing sanctions to safeguard the Scheme.
The MP assured Dr. Bampoe and his team of his continuous
support, stressing that their achievements would bring credit not only to
management but to all NHIA staff and the nation as a whole.
Dr. Bampoe and his team also called on the Goaso Traditional
Council to seek their support and blessings for NHIA operations in the region,
where they were warmly received. The council shared their experiences with the
Scheme and offered suggestions for enhancing its effectiveness.
Source: DOREEN ANDOH
Pictures: ISAAC HAGAN & EBENEZER DANSO
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