The Acting Central Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson, has stated that the health insurance scheme exists to provide a buffer aimed at reducing the financial burden on citizens so they do not have to seek help from chiefs, politicians, assembly members, the clergy, or family members when they fall ill.
He reiterated that possessing an insurance card guarantees free and quality basic healthcare.
Mr. Thompson made these remarks during the official opening of an NHIA office in Komenda on Friday, August 21, 2026.
“The idea behind establishing this office is to reduce the distance people must travel just to renew an expired card,” he stated. “Commuting long distances was a disincentive to renewal for most people,” he stressed.
To put the issue in context, he explained that while renewing a card costs only GH¢5.00, residents had to commute from Komenda to Elmina, which could cost between GH¢10.00 and GH¢50.00. “It was a great disincentive, and the MP and other well-meaning indigenes thought it wise to help establish this office to ease the burden on constituents,” he emphasised.
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On the finances of the scheme, Mr. Thompson revealed that the capping policy, which previously denied the scheme its full budgetary allocation, has been abolished by President Mahama‘s government. He disclosed that the scheme has now mobilised more funds to clear all outstanding debts owed to affiliated health facilities, including those in Komenda.
“From January to July this year, the Authority has released GH¢1.46 billion to pay health facilities across the country,” he disclosed, adding that “In July alone, GH¢245.0 million was released to pay all affiliated health facilities providing healthcare to Ghanaians.”
He urged residents to renew their cards regularly to benefit from the scheme. Touching on the free primary healthcare policy, he revealed that the president has earmarked GH¢35.1 million to support preventive healthcare.
“You don’t have to fall sick to benefit from this. Health professionals stationed at the various CHPS compounds will move from house to house to check blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and eyesight,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at improving the overall well-being of Ghanaians and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
The Paramount Chief of the Komenda Traditional Area, Okatakyi Komeh VIII, who spoke through his linguist, said it has always been the greatest dream of the traditional area to have such a facility. He thanked God for making the dream a reality and expressed appreciation to the MP and the DCE for their support.
The MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA), Hon. Samuel Atta Mills, also addressing the gathering, advised constituents to be mindful of their diet, as it has a direct impact on their overall health.
Source By DC Kwame Kwakye
