Ghana’s NHIS Held Up As Continental Model As Africa CDC Undertakes Learning Mission
Ghana’s two-decade experience with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is being studied as a model for health financing in Africa, as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) undertakes a continental learning mission under the Accra Reset framework.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on Monday, November 2, 2026, hosted Dr Erasmus Morah, Senior Advisor to the Africa CDC Director-General, at its head office in Accra, to share lessons on Ghana’s progress in expanding access to healthcare.
Discussions focused on Ghana’s journey from the cash-and-carry system, where patients paid directly for treatment, to the introduction of the NHIS in 2003, the challenges encountered and ongoing reforms to make healthcare more affordable.
Welcoming Dr Morah on behalf of the Chief Executive, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, the Deputy Chief Executive for Operations, Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, said the Authority was ready to share lessons from more than 20 years of implementing the Scheme.
The Director of Operations, Ms Mariam Musah, disclosed that active NHIS coverage has exceeded 70% of the population, with efforts underway to reach 80% by the end of 2026.
She also outlined the proposed Free Primary Health Care policy, which seeks to provide essential healthcare services at CHPS compounds and health centres regardless of NHIS membership status.
On financing, the Director of Strategic Health Purchasing, Dr Ruby Aileen Mensah Annan, outlined plans to support the policy through improved provider payment systems and sustainable funding arrangements.
Mr Sebastian Alagpulinsa, Director of Membership and Regional Operations, highlighted community outreach, mobile registration, Ghana Card integration and digital platforms such as MyNHIS as key drivers for increasing membership, particularly among underserved communities and vulnerable groups.
Dr Morah commended Ghana for financing healthcare through domestic resources, saying the country’s experience offers useful lessons for other African countries.
“Science must be backed by political will, strong leadership and community engagement to translate promising ideas into solutions that save lives,” he said.
Also present were Director of Research, Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Suleymana Abass; Director of Anti-Fraud and Illegal Payments, Mr Isaac Akonde; and Deputy Director of Marketing and Branding, Angela Joyce Asiedu, Esq.
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