The Bono East Council of State Member and Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Council, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, has called for improved infrastructure and operational support for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in parts of the Bono East Region.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, at the Authority’s headquarters in Accra. Discussions centred on expanding access to health insurance services and addressing challenges confronting residents in remote communities.
The visit brought together traditional leaders, political representatives and NHIA officials. The engagement focused on practical measures aimed at strengthening healthcare access in Yeji and neighbouring communities.
Accompanying the Paramount Chief were Pimsan Kojo Borgyese II, Adontenhene of the Yeji Traditional Council, the Member of Parliament for Pru East, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, Justice Arthur, Research Assistant to the MP, and Robert Ayeremah-Kagbrese, aide to the Paramount Chief.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Pimsan Kojo Borgyese II congratulated Dr Bampoe on his appointment. He also commended the NHIA leadership for improvements being recorded under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The traditional leader singled out the NHIS shortcode service as one of the Authority’s most impactful innovations. He noted that the platform had simplified registration and renewal processes for many residents, particularly those living in rural communities.
“We have seen the job you are doing. An outstanding job. Nationwide, we are seeing the progress in the scheme, especially in our area where registration has become much easier for our local folks.”
Pimsan Kojo Borgyese II
While acknowledging existing challenges, he indicated that residents have witnessed notable improvements in service delivery. He therefore encouraged management to sustain the gains made under the scheme.
The delegation also used the occasion to advocate improved office accommodation for NHIA personnel in Yeji and Japekrom. Members argued that better working conditions would enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
In his remarks, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe expressed appreciation to the Paramount Chief and his delegation for their visit. He described Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V as a respected traditional ruler whose support continues to strengthen healthcare delivery efforts. “We appreciate your friendship very much and all the support that you give us. We do not take it for granted,” Dr Bampoe stated.
The NHIA Chief Executive reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and health insurance services. He pledged that management would continue working with traditional authorities and local stakeholders to expand coverage across underserved communities.
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The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has appealed for additional logistical support and personnel to improve National Health Insurance Scheme services in hard-to-reach communities across the constituency.
Speaking during a meeting between Bono East traditional leaders and the National Health Insurance Authority in Accra, the MP highlighted challenges affecting healthcare access in settlements located along major water bodies.
Among the issues raised were staff shortages, inadequate office facilities and limited transportation resources. He explained that these constraints continue to affect outreach activities in several communities.
Mr Boam called for the provision of vehicles, motorbikes and boats to support NHIA operations. He noted that transportation remains a major obstacle in extending health insurance services to remote settlements.
The Pru East legislator also commended the Authority for the nationwide free NHIS registration exercise linked to the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative. He described the intervention as a significant step towards increasing enrolment and expanding access to healthcare services.
Additionally, Mr Boam praised the NHIA and the Ministry of Health for efforts to address challenges associated with the Lightwave Health Information Management System. He said improvements in the system would strengthen service delivery across health facilities.
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Chief Executive for Administration and Human Resources, Raphael Segkpeb, assured the delegation that management would consider the requests. He acknowledged the geographical difficulties facing communities within the Yeji, Pru and Salaga areas.
Mr Segkpeb indicated that the Authority would explore the possibility of allocating boats to support outreach services once additional logistics become available. He added that management was also aware of concerns regarding the condition of the NHIA office in Yeji. “We understand the challenges faced by communities in these areas and will continue to assess how best we can support them within available resources,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Executive disclosed that the Authority expected to receive additional vehicles in the coming months. He explained that district needs would be assessed before allocations are made.
On staffing, Mr Segkpeb said management would review opportunities to address personnel shortages in districts where a single office serves multiple constituencies. He further revealed that an assessment of motorbike deployment across the country was underway to improve operational efficiency.
Dr Victor Asare Bampoe also assured the delegation that requests relating to vehicles, motorbikes and boats would receive attention. He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access and expanding health insurance coverage across difficult-to-reach communities.
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