The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, has launched a new district office at Bosuso in the Eastern Region to improve access to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services.
The opening, held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, brings to eight the number of new district offices inaugurated by the Authority in recent weeks as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in communities and expand access to health insurance services.
The ceremony was attended by the Paramount Chief of the Begoro Traditional Area, Daasebre Mireku Afari II, who chaired the occasion, and the District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa North, Osumanu Abubakar, alongside traditional leaders, religious leaders, heads of government institutions, security personnel and members of the public.
Dr Bampoe said the new office would complement the NHIA’s digital platforms, which allow members and prospective members to register for and renew their NHIS membership remotely.
He explained that the physical facility would provide additional support for people who need assistance accessing the Scheme, ensuring that digitalisation does not exclude those who require in-person services.
According to him, the combined approach is intended to make the NHIS more accessible, responsive and centred on the needs of members.
Dr Bampoe disclosed that the project was initiated under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration but was continued, completed and opened under the current government.
He described the development as an example of continuity in governance and the protection of public investments.
“This is a beautiful thing because it depicts continuity of governance, a very critical component of national development and also a way of protecting state investment,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for providing the leadership and direction necessary for the completion of the project.
The NHIA Chief Executive also commended the Ministers of Finance and Health for ensuring the availability of funds to support the Authority’s operations and the implementation of its mandate.
Dr Bampoe disclosed that the NHIA had paid GH¢382 million to credentialed healthcare facilities for claims submitted and vetted for September 2026.
He said the payments formed part of efforts to ensure timely reimbursement of service providers and strengthen the financial sustainability of the NHIS.
He further revealed that the Authority had increased its service tariffs by 50 per cent since August 2026, a move he said was intended to support healthcare providers in delivering improved services under the Scheme.
According to him, regular claims payments and improved tariffs are helping address longstanding concerns about delays in reimbursing healthcare facilities.
Dr Bampoe added that the government was also providing funding to support the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare policy and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and advancing Ghana’s universal health coverage agenda.
Providing an update on enrolment, Dr Bampoe said the district had a population of 118,032, with an NHIS membership target of 94,426.
As of September 30, 2026, the district had 62,687 active NHIS members, representing approximately 66 per cent of its universal health coverage target.
He challenged staff to increase enrolment significantly within the next six months, urging them to aim for a figure beginning with eight or nine, or even achieve the full 100 per cent target.
To accomplish this, he encouraged NHIA personnel to intensify community outreach by engaging residents at markets, churches, mosques, schools and workplaces.
He also called for stronger collaboration with traditional leaders, Assembly Members, community groups and opinion leaders to educate residents about the importance of maintaining active NHIS membership.
Dr Bampoe described the NHIA as an action-oriented institution and pledged to work towards establishing a permanent district office at Begoro to replace the existing satellite office operating from rented premises.
“We will never forget the Fanteakwa districts but will continue to support your access to healthcare,” he assured.
Dr Bampoe said the new facility represented the Authority’s commitment to improving service delivery and providing staff with a conducive working environment.
He, however, stressed that infrastructure alone was not enough to improve healthcare outcomes.
“A beautiful building alone did not improve healthcare. People do,” he said, urging staff to uphold the Authority’s three-point vision and put the needs of NHIS members at the centre of their work.
He called on personnel to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and a strong commitment to serving the public.
Daasebre Mireku Afari II expressed gratitude to President Mahama for ensuring the continuation and completion of the project.
He also commended Dr Bampoe and the NHIA for operationalising the facility, describing it as evidence of their commitment to improving access to healthcare in the area.
“It is an honour done us, and we are grateful,” he said.
The traditional ruler urged residents to take their health seriously by following medical advice, making informed health choices and maintaining proper sanitation to prevent diseases.
He also encouraged them to keep their NHIS memberships active to avoid financial barriers when seeking healthcare.
For his part, the District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa North, Osumanu Abubakar, thanked the government and the NHIA for the facility and pledged his support for sustaining the Scheme.
He appealed to the Authority to provide a befitting office space at Begoro, citing the area’s population and the need to bring NHIS services closer to residents.
The Eastern Regional Director of the NHIA, Frank Addo, described the new office as a reflection of the Authority’s growth and commitment to improving service delivery.
“This new building is more than a beautiful thing. It is part of the physical evidence of our growth, a testament to our shared hard work and a promise to serve our community and members with greater excellence and innovation,” he said.
The NHIA says the expansion of its district offices, alongside digital services and improved engagement with communities, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the NHIS and make healthcare more accessible to Ghanaians.
