|
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has
successfully concluded a five-day regional capacity-building workshop on its
updated Financial Manual for staff in the northern zone.
Held in Tamale, the workshop brought together participants
from the Northern, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West and North East Regions,
along with staff from the Tamale Claims Processing Centre. Attendees included
regional and district accountants, finance officers, managers, directors and
administrative staff responsible for implementing financial procedures within
the Authority.
Organized by the NHIA’s Finance and Investment Division, the
exercise forms part of a nationwide training programme aimed at strengthening
financial management practices and enhancing accountability across all
operational levels.
The Senior Manager for Regional and District Accounting
Operations, Mr. Eric Yeboah, led participants through practical steps for
maintaining effective internal control systems. His sessions covered
authorization processes, segregation of duties, documentation standards, and
oversight responsibilities designed to reduce errors, curb irregularities and
prevent financial malpractices.
Mr. Yeboah also delivered an in-depth presentation on the
management of accounts payables, outlining key areas such as claims payable,
other liabilities and accrued claims. He detailed the full workflow for
receiving, registering, fulfilling, vetting and approving healthcare provider
claims, while highlighting the responsibilities of the CEO, Director of
Finance, Heads of Claims Processing Centres and Accounts Managers in ensuring
accurate and accountable financial records.
In a follow-up presentation, he addressed expenditure
management, emphasizing compliance, value for money and responsible use of
public funds.
The Finance Manager at the Budget and Management
Directorate, Mr. Samuel Mensah Larsey, presented on revenue management and
accounting, explaining the Authority’s major revenue sources as outlined in the
National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852).
He further took participants through accounts receivables
management, describing receivables such as NHI levies and SSNIT contributions
as significant statutory inflows due to the Authority. He also discussed other
receivables including advances, audit deductions, staff loans and surcharges.
In another session, Mr. Larsey guided participants through
fixed assets management, providing an overview of the policy framework
governing asset acquisition, safeguarding, disposal and accounting in line with
the Public Financial Management Act, its regulations and the International
Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). He also covered investment
management procedures, including the administration of fixed income
investments, disinvestments, portfolio realignments, rollovers, and share
acquisitions and disposals aimed at optimizing the Authority’s investment
portfolio.
The Budget Finance Manager at the Budget and Management
Accounting Directorate, Mr. Jonathan Manu, introduced participants to inventory
management, focusing on policy requirements, roles and responsibilities,
management procedures and the conduct of inventory controls. He also took
participants through financial reporting procedures, emphasizing adherence to
reporting timelines and standards.
Participants were additionally trained in the use of
accounting forms and standardized reporting templates to ensure consistency,
accuracy and timely submission of financial information across NHIA offices.
They also engaged in interactive discussions and practical
exercises designed to ensure consistent application of financial policies and
compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at the closing session, the Deputy Director for
Financial Accounting, Mr. Daniel Adin-Darko, underscored the need for strict
adherence to the updated manual to safeguard public funds and ensure
streamlined financial operations throughout the Authority.
The Acting Upper East Regional Director, Dr. Salifu Yandaog
Kombat, on behalf of the five Northern Directors commended the training team
for their thorough facilitation and urged participants to put the knowledge
acquired into practice to enhance financial discipline in their respective
offices.
Source: Vivian Arthur
Photo: Samuel Larbi
|