President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), hyping it as the nation’s pathway to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The President, in his opening remarks at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit held in Accra, said the government uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy, generating Ghs 3.5 billion, for broader health coverage.
The summit, held under the theme, “The Accra Initiative, Africa Health Sovereignty in a Reimagined Global Health Architecture,” aimed at pushing for reforms in global health governance and highlighting national ownership, local investment, and stronger leadership in public health.
It brought together African Heads of State, health ministers, and global health leaders to discuss urgent reforms in the way health systems are governed and financed on the continent.
The President cited other innovative healthcare initiatives, including the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which mobilizes public, private, and philanthropic capital to tackle chronic diseases. “The launch of the Primary Health Care Programme, slated for the coming months, will further enhance preventive care and community health,” he added.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, emphasized the importance of robust health systems in ensuring national stability and economic competitiveness, adding that the quality of our health systems determines whether pandemics destabilise us or whether we stand firm.
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in healthcare, citing the NHIS, CHPS compounds, and investments in local pharmaceutical production as testaments to the country’s commitment to finding African solutions to African problems.
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, urged African leaders to expand and enhance health insurance coverage, suggesting that 25% of health insurance funds could be used to manage health infrastructure.
The Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised Ghana’s efforts in stepping up domestic investment in health, especially after Parliament passed reforms to increase funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme.
This action, he said, demonstrated what health sovereignty looked like, stressing that Africa did not lack capability, but rather needed fair terms and a stronger voice in shaping global health policies.
“Africa does not need charity. Africa needs fair terms,” he reiterated.
The Chief Executive of NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, emphasized the significance of the uncapped NHIS fund, stressing that the additional funding will enable the NHIS to expand its coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for Ghanaians and improving access to quality healthcare.
He underscored the need for efficient resource use and accountability, citing the Sustain model as a potential guide for their journey.
Key outcomes of the summit included the endorsement of The Accra Initiative, the launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to promote domestic health financing, and the formation of a Presidential High-Level Panel. The Accra Compact, a document outlining Africa’s unified vision for health sovereignty, was also adopted.
