ASSIN FOSO – As part of efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana, the Central Regional branch of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has organized a two-day 2026 Mid-Year Performance Review Meeting at Joess Plaza Hotel in Assin Fosu.
Themed “Leaving No One Behind: Achieving UHC in 2026 – A Collective Responsibility”, the meeting is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, July 30 and 31, 2026. It aims to enable staff to assess work done in the first half of the year and strategize on how to meet Ghana’s target of achieving UHC by 2030.
Achieving UHC Ahead of Schedule
In a bold push to attain UHC in the Central Region, the Acting Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr. Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson, revealed that despite current challenges, six districts in the region are on course to achieve UHC by the end of 2026.
“Three districts have already achieved UHC – Mfantsiman at 103%, Oguaamansin at 102%, and KEEA at over 100%,” he disclosed, drawing applause from the audience.
Referring to staff strength and output compared to other regions, Mr. Thompson praised his 250 staff for their monumental achievements. “The Eastern Region has 20 District Offices. In terms of resources, they are better off. But with our limited resources, we are competing favourably, and my staff deserve praise,” he emphasized.
On branding and visibility, in line with the vision of the Chief Executive Officer, he noted: “Our region has outperformed all others in social media, electronic media, and print media coverage.”
He added that the Central Region has contributed immensely to making the NHIA more visible across various media platforms than any other region in the country.
Mr. Koi Thompson stressed that these successes would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of his staff. “On this note, I congratulate you,” he said. “Without the roots, a tree cannot stand. You are the roots that keep the NHIA Central tree standing. You have been with us through thick and thin, and for that I am grateful for your support and patience.”
Stakeholders’ Remarks
Nana Nkrumah Sako, Gyaasehene of Afutuakwa, who chaired the occasion, commended management for the honour and pledged his support to ensure the success of the program.
Hon. Eric Mensah, Presiding Member of the Assin Fosu Municipal Assembly, also expressed gratitude to NHIA management for choosing Assin Fosu to host the meeting. He noted that the NHIA had collaborated with Assembly Members on a new member registration drive. “All these efforts are geared toward the full attainment of the President’s vision of free primary healthcare for the country,” he said.
“We thank you for the privilege you have extended to Assembly Members during the registration of new members for the insurance card,” he added.
He concluded with Proverbs 4:13: – “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” – He urged NHIA staff to adhere to instructions and guard them diligently to ensure success.
Sr. Georgina Donzing, Sister-in-Charge at St. Francis Xavier Hospital, Assin Foso, also commended improvements in the payment of claims to health facilities affiliated with the NHIA. “Initially, it took several months, sometimes a year, for claims to be paid. But that narrative has changed,” she stated.
“For St. Francis Xavier, Assin Foso, we receive payments every month. Any delays are usually from our end and not the Authority,” she disclosed.
She further urged the NHIA to intensify public education on the need for every Ghanaian to own an NHIS card. “It is surprising that some people still do not have health insurance cards. The most vulnerable in our society are those without cards who cannot meet their health bills when sick,” she lamented.
Other dignitaries present included Nana Apiadu I, Akyeamehene of Afutuakwa; Mr. Benjamin Amoakoh, Assin Fosu Municipal Health Director; Dr. Gilbert Agyemang Prempeh, Medical Superintendent of Assin Fosu Polyclinic; and the Deputy Director, CPC, Cape Coast.
With momentum building among staff at the ongoing Mid-Year Review Meeting, residents of the region can only hope that the vision of attaining UHC in 2026 will be realized.
Source By DC Kwame Kwakye
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