The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has opened a new regional office in Kadjebi in the Oti Region to strengthen operations, improve service delivery and bring National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services closer to residents.
The Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, opened the facility on October 28, 2026, urging staff to translate the investment in infrastructure and logistics into improved performance, increased membership mobilisation and higher renewal rates.
He disclosed that of the region’s estimated population of 649,000, only slightly more than 225,000 people were enrolled in the NHIS as of the end of September.
Dr Bampoe acknowledged that poor telecommunications connectivity, inadequate road networks and the dispersed nature of communities continued to pose challenges to efforts to expand enrolment.
To address the low enrolment levels, Dr Bampoe announced another round of Operation Market Storm, a special registration campaign targeting densely populated communities and markets, scheduled for November.
He also urged staff to promote the use of digital NHIS platforms and strengthen outreach programmes, including NHIS at Your Doorstep and the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC), to improve access to services.
“Every member interaction is an opportunity to build public confidence in the NHIS,” he said, urging staff to prioritise restoring trust and protecting the interests of scheme members.
The NHIA Chief Executive expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and the NHIA Board for their support in completing the project.
He also acknowledged the previous administration for initiating the facility.
The NHIA Board Chairman, Mr Larry Adjetey, said the new office demonstrated the Authority’s commitment to providing quality services in the newly created region.
He urged staff to treat scheme members with respect and courtesy while encouraging residents to enrol in the NHIS and hold the Authority accountable for its service delivery.
In a statement read on his behalf by Presidential Staffer Mr Sulemana Momoni, the Oti Regional Minister, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, said inadequate office accommodation had been a major challenge since the region’s creation.
He explained that the situation had forced several government institutions to operate from rented premises, commending the NHIA for providing a suitable facility.
Mr Gyapong urged the Authority’s management to maintain the building and ensure that the improved working environment resulted in increased enrolment and better service delivery.
The Oti Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr Julius Nelimor, thanked the Board and management for completing the project in less than a year.
He disclosed that the region had also received a fibre boat to help extend NHIS services to hard-to-reach island communities.
Describing the new office as “a symbol of growth, stability and hope,” Mr Nelimor said the facility would improve operational efficiency, staff morale and supervision.
He pledged the commitment of regional staff to maintaining the office and ensuring that residents had access to affordable, quality healthcare under the NHIS.
The opening ceremony was attended by a delegation of NHIA officials and government representatives, including Dr Koku Awoonor-Williams, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Health; Mr Harold Boateng, Board Secretary; Ms Francisca Atuluk, Director of Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Mr Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Director of Corporate Affairs; and Mr Raymond Avinu, Director of Administration.
Other officials present were Ms Nina Amoah-Buabeng, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive; Ms Faustina Dery, Head of Communications; Mr Louis Lawerteh, Deputy Director of Administration; Ms Victoria Hyde-Antwi, Senior Manager of the Protocol Unit; and Ms Victoria Akita, Acting Manager at the Board Secretariat.
