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HEALTH

New NHIA Office Commissioned at Asamankese to Bring Health Insurance Services Closer to Residents

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commissioned a new office at Asamankese in the Lower West Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region, in a move aimed at bringing health insurance services closer to residents and improving access to healthcare.

Date Created : 10/8/2026 : Story Author : Mary Ayertey/Ghanadistricts.com

The facility was commissioned on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, by the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, with support from the Municipal Chief Executive for Lower West Akim, Madam Paulina Akabila, and the Paramount Chief of the Asamankese Traditional Area, Osabarima Adu Darko III, who chaired the ceremony.

The event brought together traditional and religious leaders, as well as representatives of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana National Fire Service, Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Ghana Police Service, National Identification Authority (NIA), National Ambulance Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Education Service and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), alongside other stakeholders and the media.

Dr. Bampoe said the new office would strengthen the NHIA's presence in the municipality and make registration, renewal, education and other NHIS-related services more accessible to residents.

He commended the continuity of the project, noting that the office building was started under the previous administration and completed and commissioned under the current government.

“Continuity in governance is beautiful and ensures development,” Dr. Bampoe said.

He also highlighted the government's efforts to improve the financial stability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), explaining that this had enabled the NHIA to improve the regularity of payments to credentialed healthcare providers.

According to Dr. Bampoe, the Authority had paid GH¢382 million to healthcare facilities for claims submitted and vetted for September 2026. He further disclosed that NHIS service tariffs had been increased by 50 per cent since August 2026.

NHIA Warns Against Illegal NHIS Charges

Dr. Bampoe strongly cautioned credentialed health facilities against charging NHIS members illegal co-payments or top-ups for services covered under the scheme.

He explained that the regular reimbursement of claims, together with the upward review of service tariffs, should eliminate any justification for such charges.

He warned that facilities and individuals found engaging in illegal charges would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The NHIA Chief Executive further urged staff to work diligently and ensure that NHIS members received services efficiently and with dignity.

He also encouraged Ghanaians to make full use of available healthcare services, including preventive, promotive and curative care.

Free Primary Healthcare to Complement NHIS

Dr. Bampoe explained that the government's Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) policy was designed to complement the NHIS in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

He said the policy focuses on preventive, promotive and curative healthcare, allowing residents to access basic primary healthcare at the point of care without necessarily having active NHIS membership.

Lower West Akim Records 65% Active NHIS Membership

Dr. Bampoe disclosed that the Lower West Akim area has a population of 225,802, with a Universal Health Coverage target of 180,642.

As of September 30, 2026, the area had recorded 117,418 active NHIS members, representing 65 per cent of the target, compared with 60 per cent during the corresponding period in 2025.

He commended NHIA staff and stakeholders for the improvement but challenged them to work harder to increase active membership.

He urged staff to move beyond the office and collaborate with stakeholders and community leaders to educate residents about the benefits of the NHIS and the importance of maintaining active membership.

Paramount Chief Commends Completion of Project

The Paramount Chief of the Asamankese Traditional Area, Osabarima Adu Darko III, commended the decision to complete the project, describing continuity in governance as essential to national development.

He called for an end to the abandonment of government projects whenever there was a change in administration.

Osabarima Adu Darko III also welcomed the Free Primary Healthcare policy, particularly its emphasis on preventive and promotive healthcare.

He described the new NHIA office as “real good news”, noting that residents had previously faced difficulties travelling long distances to register or renew their NHIS membership.

He urged residents to take advantage of the new facility and ensure that their NHIS memberships remained active.

MCE Pledges Support for NHIA

The Municipal Chief Executive for West Akim, Madam Paulina Akabila, thanked the Paramount Chief for providing land for the project and expressed appreciation to the NHIA leadership for completing the facility.

She also commended the decision to complete the project despite it having been initiated under a previous administration.

Madam Akabila pledged the Assembly's support for the NHIA and assured stakeholders that the Assembly would maintain the building and keep it in good condition for the benefit of residents.

The commissioning ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the health, security, traditional authority, education and public sectors, marking a significant addition to healthcare administration and NHIS service delivery in West Akim.

HEALTH

New NHIA Office Commissioned at Asamankese to Bring Health Insurance Services Closer to Residents

Date Created : 10/8/2026 : Story Author : Mary Ayertey/Ghanadistricts.com

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