Chief of Staff vows crackdown on illegal NHIS fees

Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Julius Debrah, is leading the government’s renewed push to reform the National Health Insurance Scheme by eliminating illegal co-payments and boosting collaboration.

He made the commitment at the opening of the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) maiden Stakeholder Conference held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The two-day event, themed “Consolidating Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient and Inclusive Health Insurance Scheme,” convened representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana, Private Health Facilities Association, the World Health Organization, and other major sector players.

Mr. Debrah described the conference as “timely and essential,” commending the NHIA’s Governing Board and management for their forward-thinking leadership.

“It is an honour to join you this morning for this important forum. I wish to thank the National Health Insurance Authority and its Governing Board for this commendable initiative,” he said, applauding Dr. Victor Banpo and his team for “the thoughtfulness and urgency” with which they are steering the Authority.

He underscored that strategic collaboration is central to achieving equitable health delivery.

“Strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of strengthening our health systems. They allow us to pool expertise, resources, and innovation to bridge service delivery gaps and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind,” he stated.

Highlighting recent fiscal measures, the Chief of Staff announced that the government had “uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy,” unlocking GH¢3.4 billion to support the fund this year.

He added that “the total amount of funds disbursed by the NHIA to healthcare providers stands at GH¢2.8 billion,” which has improved compliance and restored confidence among service providers.

He praised the NHIA’s ongoing digital reforms and introduction of a pre-payment regime, noting that these steps “enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure better service delivery.”

Turning attention to illegal co-payments, Mr. Debrah condemned the practice as exploitative and contrary to the scheme’s core purpose.

“These illegal fees, often demanded at the point of need, undermine the very purpose of the National Health Insurance Scheme. They erode public trust, deepen inequality, and place an undue burden on the poor and vulnerable,” he cautioned.

He endorsed the NHIA’s Zero Tolerance Campaign and supported the creation of a national task force with regional and district-level branches to address and eradicate such practices.

Mr. Debrah urged the NHIA to intensify public education on the scheme’s benefits.

“Let us go beyond our offices, into communities, schools, churches, mosques, markets, and lorry parks, to educate Ghanaians about the benefits of the scheme,” he said.

He called on Ghanaians to demonstrate integrity and collective responsibility in protecting the NHIS.

“Together, through sustained partnerships, integrity, and innovation, we can build a truly resilient and inclusive National Health Insurance Scheme that delivers on its promise to every Ghanaian,” he said.