The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has challenged the Jomoro Municipality to increase its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment beyond the current 49.63% of its population. This directive came during the commissioning of a new NHIA district office in Jomoro, Western Region, on October 14, 2026.
Dr. Bampoe stressed that boosting NHIS membership is a collective responsibility. He stated that this effort should involve all community stakeholders, not just chiefs, the Member of Parliament, or the Municipal Assembly. The new office aims to bring health services closer to residents and protect families from the financial burden of illness.
This push for increased enrolment aligns with Ghana's broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), where everyone has access to quality health services without financial hardship. The NHIS is a cornerstone of this national strategy, aiming to provide affordable healthcare to all citizens. Improving enrolment rates, especially in regions like Jomoro, is crucial for strengthening the country's health financing system and ensuring equitable access to medical care across all demographics.
“The true measure of this investment is the number of lives we reach, the families we protect and the confidence we restore in the NHIS,” Dr. Bampoe emphasised. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama, to strengthening healthcare access through improved health financing. The NHIA CEO also urged healthcare providers to stop charging unauthorised fees for services covered under the NHIS. He insisted that improvements in claims payments and provider tariffs must translate into better service for members.
The commissioning of the Jomoro District Office signifies the NHIA's commitment to expanding health coverage. Its success will depend on measurable improvements in enrolment, service quality, and public confidence. Local authorities, including the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, and the Paramount Chief of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, Awulae Kwasi Amakye III, have pledged their support. They will mobilise residents to register and maintain active NHIS membership. The Western Regional Director of the NHIA, Joseph Meneabeh Akpoh, also highlighted staffing and logistical challenges that require urgent attention to improve field operations and service delivery. This concerted effort is vital for the NHIS to effectively serve its purpose and reach more Ghanaians.
The call for increased enrolment in Jomoro reflects a national imperative to strengthen the NHIS. This initiative aims to ensure more Ghanaians benefit from subsidised healthcare. Decision-makers will closely monitor enrolment figures and service quality in the coming months. The success of this drive could serve as a model for other districts with similar coverage gaps. This focus on local-level engagement is critical for the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Ghana's health insurance system.