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The Executive Management of the National Health Insurance
Authority (NHIA) has cautioned staff of the Kumasi Claims Processing Centre
(CPC) against any alleged collusion with health facilities to inflate claims or
engage in fraudulent activities for financial gain.
They also solicited the ideas and support of staff to help
end not just fraudulent claims, but also illegal out-of-pocket fees imposed on
members of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Addressing staff of the Kumasi CPC on Wednesday, November 5,
2025, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive of the NHIA, described such acts
as a serious “canker” undermining the integrity of the Authority.
Dr. Bampoe led a high-powered delegation of Executive
Management to the CPC as part of a working visit to the Ashanti Region, where
he also commissioned a new NHIS Satellite Office at Beposo in the Bosomtwe
District. He also paid courtesy calls on the Ashanti Regional Minister and
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seeking their blessings for his tenure as Chief
Executive.
The visit formed part of a series of engagements with CPCs
across the country to discuss operational challenges, staff welfare, and
solicit their support to eliminate fraudulent claims and illegal charges.
“There’s a big animal in the room — we all know it but
rarely talk about it. Some health facilities take illegal monies from NHIS
members, and some staff members allegedly link up with these facilities to
scale up claims that are later paid and shared.
“Like I’ve said to CPC staff in Accra, Cape Coast, and
Tamale, this visit is to sound a note of caution. If you are complicit, and we
find out, the axe will fall — and it will fall hard.
“Please, if you know anyone involved, advise them to stop.
We must protect this Scheme and make it the best it can be.
“President John Dramani Mahama has ensured the release of
funds to pay health facilities monthly. Let’s make sure those resources are
used honestly and efficiently,” he said.
He further announced that the NHIA would soon increase
service tariffs, explaining that while this would enhance payments to
providers, it could also create risks of greater financial leakages if
integrity was not maintained.
“We must plug those holes to ensure that our investments in
health are not wasted while protecting public confidence in the Scheme,” he
stressed.
Dr. Bampoe also cautioned health facilities against illegal
out-of-pocket charges, often disguised as co-payments, insisting that such
practices are unacceptable and exploit NHIS members.
He commended the CPC staff for their dedication and
encouraged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity as the NHIA works
to strengthen its systems and sustain the Scheme’s progress.
Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, Esq.
The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and
Investment, Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, Esq., also cautioned staff to be
prudent and vigilant in protecting the Authority’s finances.
She said desired promotions and training opportunities, both
locally and abroad, depended on the Authority’s financial strength, which is
being threatened by fraudulent activities.
“All these things zero down to money,” she said.
“If
fictitious claims and other malpractices don’t stop, it will affect all of us.
You don’t carry the whole cow away — where will the milk come from?”
She reminded staff that Parliament requires at least 65
percent of NHIA’s allocation to go into claims payments and urged them to
discourage colleagues engaged in wrongdoing.
Ms. Bogobiri, however, assured staff of management’s
commitment to their welfare, saying, “Our CEO has a transformational vision,
and the future is bright if we stay disciplined and focused.”
Dr. Djokoto
The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, Dr.
Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, commended staff for their dedication and growing
efficiency while announcing new measures to curb fraud and improve service
delivery.
He mentioned reforms such as the introduction of a one-time
passcode for member authentication at the facility level and biometric
authentication.
“We are introducing prevention, detection, and deterrence
measures,” he said.
“Artificial intelligence will help detect duplicate and
recycled claims early, while strict sanctions will apply to anyone who aids the
leakage of funds.”
Dr. Djokoto highlighted that the average turnaround time for
vetting claims had dropped from 90 days to just 18 days, adding that providers
now have better access to digital platforms such as the Provider Claims Portal,
which enhances transparency.
“The future is bright,” he assured. “We are building a
stronger, more accountable NHIA that truly serves the people.”
Mr. Raphael Segkpeb
The Deputy Chief Executive of Administration and Human
Resources, Mr. Raphael Segkpeb, urged staff to remain committed and uphold
integrity as the Authority continues to realign its operations with national
health priorities.
He said the Chief Executive’s leadership has ushered in a
new phase of transformation anchored on three pillars: alignment with the Free
Primary Health Care policy, elimination of illegal payments, and system
strengthening.
Mr. Segkpeb noted that recent promotions, improved foreign
training opportunities, and the establishment of the NHIA Cooperative Credit
Union all reflect management’s commitment to staff welfare.
“The CEO has your interest at heart. The Credit Union was
his idea, aimed at ensuring financial stability for all staff,” he said.
Emphasising accountability, he urged staff to treat their
work as a “psychological contract” that demands loyalty and commitment beyond
formal terms of employment.
“The only legacy we can leave behind is how well we tackle
illegal payments and protect the Authority’s resources,” he stressed.
He encouraged staff to contribute practical suggestions on
how to curb fraud at the operational level and pledged Executive Management’s
continued support for staff development and welfare.
Director, CPC Kumasi
In a welcome address, the Director of the Kumasi CPC, Mr.
Mohammed Kamal Hassan, expressed appreciation to Executive Management for their
continuous support and commitment to staff welfare.
He highlighted key achievements of the Centre, including the
processing of over 11,000 batches of claims valued at ?865.9 million, out of
which diligent verification saved the Authority more than ?32.6 million.
He noted that the CPC currently has 1,369 active providers
and a staff strength of 123, adding that recent staff promotions had
significantly boosted morale and motivation.
Executive Management was accompanied by Mr. Alagpulinsa
Sebastian, Ag. Director, MRO; Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Director of Corporate
Affairs; Ms. Faustina Dery, Head of Corporate Communications; Ms. Nina
Amoah-Boabeng, Executive Assistant to the CEO; Communications Manager, Doreen
Andoh; Senior Communications Officer, Ebenezer Danso; and Senior Marketing
Officer, Isaac Hagan.
Source: Doreen Andoh
Pictures: Isaac Hagan & Ebenezer Danso
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