The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) while advancing key government policies aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He underscored that the vision of President John Dramani Mahama is firmly rooted in three pillars: the NHIS, the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund known as Mahama Cares, and the Free Primary Health Care for All policy.
“This is the President’s vision, and our work must strictly align with it,” Dr. Bampoe stated during his engagement with staff and stakeholders in the Ahafo Region. He explained that these policies are carefully designed to complement the Scheme in delivering comprehensive healthcare services nationwide.
The NHIA Chief Executive commenced a six-day tour of the Ahafo, Western, Western North, and Central Regions on August 25, 2025. The exercise, which began at Goaso in the Ahafo Region, marked the tenth region he has visited as part of ongoing engagements since assuming office.
According to the Authority, the tour seeks to familiarise him with developments within the NHIS, galvanise staff morale, and solicit stakeholder support in strengthening the Scheme as a core pillar of President Mahama’s UHC agenda.
Dr. Bampoe, accompanied by senior officials including Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Administration and Human Resource Raphael Segkpeb, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs Oswald Essuah-Mensah, and other executives, engaged the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asutifi South, Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardner, the Goaso Government Hospital, and the Goaso Traditional Council.
These meetings preceded a regional staff durbar designed to align personnel with the Authority’s new priorities.
Dr. Bampoe raised concerns over persistent operational challenges, particularly the practice of illegal charges often misrepresented as co-payments. He said such practices undermine the integrity of the Scheme and betray its purpose of providing financial protection to citizens.
“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”
Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, NHIA CEO
In addition to illegal payments, he drew attention to fraudulent claims that compromise the financial sustainability of the Scheme. He cautioned health facilities and NHIA staff to desist from such practices, describing them as acts that erode public trust in the system.
Enhancing Staff Welfare
Turning to staff welfare, Dr. Bampoe stressed that a motivated workforce is essential to the transformation of the Authority.
He outlined several measures spearheaded by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Raphael Segkpeb to improve staff wellbeing. These include the creation of a credit union, a proposed vehicle acquisition scheme, and reforms to ensure fairness in training and career development opportunities.
“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,” he said. He added that while not all staff could be trained simultaneously, it was important to demonstrate inclusivity and fairness in professional development.
He further encouraged personnel to be candid in expressing their views during his engagements. “We are here to listen to you. Feel free to speak your mind,” he told staff in Goaso, urging them to remain proud of their contribution to Ghana’s health sector.
Dr. Bampoe explained that the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) had already strengthened the financial base of the NHIS, leading to improved funding flows and the prompt payment of claims.
He noted that this intervention, alongside the government’s new health initiatives, would ensure that millions of Ghanaians continue to access affordable and quality healthcare.
He reaffirmed that the NHIS, complemented by Mahama Cares and the Free Primary Health Care for All policy, forms the backbone of Ghana’s UHC strategy. At each stop of his regional tour, he reminded staff that their role in implementing these interventions is critical to achieving the President’s health vision.
Dr. Bampoe urged staff of the Authority in the Ahafo Region to take pride in their mission. He emphasised that the NHIA is part of a globally respected institution that delivers life-changing services to millions of Ghanaians.
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