May Day message: No worker should suffer for healthcare costs – Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe

The Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has called for renewed national commitment to improving workers’ welfare, stressing that access to healthcare must not come at the expense of livelihoods.

Delivering a message to mark May Day, Dr. Bampoe underscored the need for stronger social protection systems, better working conditions, and inclusive policies that safeguard the dignity of Ghanaian workers.

“May Day is also a call to action. It reminds us of the need to continuously improve working conditions, deepen social protection, and build systems that uphold dignity and fairness for all,” he stated.

He highlighted the critical role workers play in national development, acknowledging their resilience and sacrifices across sectors—from agriculture and industry to education and healthcare.

“From the farms and factories to offices, marketplaces, classrooms, and health facilities, your labour sustains our economy, strengthens our communities, and secures our future,” he said.

Dr. Bampoe stressed that healthcare remains a cornerstone of worker productivity, warning that financial barriers can undermine both individual wellbeing and economic progress.

“As we advance key reforms… we are guided by a simple but powerful principle: no worker in Ghana should be pushed into hardship because of the cost of healthcare,” he declared.

The NHIA Chief Executive also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting citizens through accessible and equitable healthcare delivery, positioning the NHIS as a key pillar in Ghana’s development agenda.

“Your wellbeing is central to national development, and we are committed to protecting it,” he added.

He further assured that the NHIA will continue working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that the scheme delivers its full impact.

“We will continue to work with the government, employers, labour unions, and stakeholders to ensure that the NHIS plays its full role in this national effort,” he said.

The message resonates amid ongoing national discussions about labour rights, economic pressures, and the need for inclusive growth in Ghana.

Dr. Bampoe concluded with a strong affirmation of the value of Ghanaian workers: “To every Ghanaian worker: your contribution matters, your effort is valued, and your health remains a priority.”

His remarks reinforce calls for policies that do not only celebrate workers symbolically, but tangibly improve their living and working conditions.