A delegation from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), led by Ms. Faustina Dery, the recently appointed Head of Communications in the Corporate Affairs Directorate (CAF), paid a working visit to the management of Media General Group Limited in Accra on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The visit aimed to strengthen the existing good relationship between the two organizations and explore ways to increase awareness about the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and promote its objectives.
She was accompanied by the Ag. Director of Corporate Affairs (CAF), Mr. Oswald Essuah-Mensah, Senior Officer, CAF, Ms. Vivian Arthur, and Officers Ebenezer Danso and Isaac Marano Hagan.
Ms. Derry expressed appreciation to Media General for its support of the NHIS over the years as a media partner and reaffirmed the NHIA’s commitment to continuing its collaboration to promote the scheme and improve healthcare outcomes for Ghanaians.
She emphasized the importance of engagement in fostering transparency and ensuring that the NHIS meets the evolving needs of the Ghanaian population.
We believe that Media General is a platform that goes far and wide, and our vision is to reach out to every Ghanaian, letting them know the benefits of the NHIS as well as the government’s vision.”
She stressed that in line with the President’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage through the Mahama Cares and Free Primary Healthcare policies, the NHIA is committed to strengthening the country’s healthcare system, ensuring that all citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
The Ag. Director, Oswald Essuah-Mensah highlighted some key strategies and initiatives undertaken by the NHIA to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the NHIS, including the implementation of a robust digitalization agenda, enhancements to claims processing and payment systems, and the introduction of innovative products and services tailored to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Ghanaians.
He mentioned that the Scheme covers over 95 percent of ailments presented in healthcare facilities, including outpatient services, inpatient care, and maternity care, as well as coverage for some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, free dialysis, and mental health services, among others.
“We have a very extensive benefit package, and the Scheme continues to expand based on the country’s epidemiological needs. Currently, we’re looking at even moving into promotive and preventive healthcare,” he added.
Mr. Essuah-Mensah stated that the Scheme currently covers over 20 million active members, representing 55% of Ghana’s population, and aims to increase its target to 21 million active members, covering 61% of the population by the end of 2025.
This achievement, he said, brings the country closer to its goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, enabling more Ghanaians to access essential healthcare services without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
Reiterating the new CEO’s vision in line with the government, he stated that the NHIA is committed to strengthening internal controls and restoring public confidence by addressing the issue of illegal payments, also known as co-payments.
In addition, he stated that the Authority is revising its tariffs to ensure they accurately reflect current economic realities, thereby reducing the financial burden on healthcare providers and ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS.
He urged Media General to continue playing a critical role in shaping public perception and understanding of the Scheme to ensure its success and sustainability.
The Group Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Nuamah Eshun-Famiyeh, expressed Media General’s renewed commitment to supporting the NHIA efforts to increase awareness and enrollment in the NHIS, leveraging its extensive media platforms to promote the scheme and improve healthcare access for Ghanaians.
The NHIA team was received by the Commercial Manager of Media General, Daniel Amartey-Armah, and the General Manager 3 Group, Mrs. Akorfa Banson.
