Uncapping of NHIL has restored Ghana’s health financing architecture – Akandoh

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has said the government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) has significantly strengthened Ghana’s social health financing framework and improved the performance of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, December 1, 2025, he disclosed that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is expected to receive GH¢11.416 billion in 2026, out of which GH¢9.037 billion will be dedicated to NHIS operations and payment of claims.

According to him, the policy change has led to major improvements in claims processing, with payment timelines now reduced to under three months, compared to the previous delays of nine to twelve months.

NHIS uncapped with prompt release of funds into NHIS accounts - Akandoh

He added that NHIS membership has increased significantly, rising from 18 million to 20 million subscribers within a year, representing 60% of Ghana’s population.

Akandoh also announced that the government had implemented an average 120% increase in tariffs, a move he said has restored confidence among healthcare providers and reduced out-of-pocket spending for households.

He noted that the 2026 Budget includes the biggest injection of capital into health infrastructure in recent years.

Key projects receiving funding include the construction of new regional hospitals in Savannah, Oti and Western North Regions, with GH¢600 million allocated.

The government is also advancing the completion of long-standing projects such as the La General Hospital (GH¢60 million), the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity Block, the Sewua Regional Hospital, 10 Agenda 111 sites following the AESL audit, two CHPS compounds per district, and expanded district hospital and CHPS outreach under the Free Primary Healthcare (FPHC) programme.

On the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, Akandoh described it as the most significant social health intervention since the establishment of the NHIS.

He noted that catastrophic health expenditures remain a major challenge, with one in three adults hypertensive, rapidly rising diabetes cases, and more than 400 cancer cases diagnosed annually in public hospitals, conditions that plunge thousands of households into poverty.

NHIA projects over 120% tariff increase to strengthen healthcare delivery in 2026

For 2026, the programme is set to receive GH¢2.259 billion, representing 20% of the NHIF. The funds will support treatment for dialysis, cancer, renal care, cardiovascular diseases, and other high-cost chronic conditions.

Akandoh also said disbursements have begun at accredited centres, while public application channels for patients are currently being finalised.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing the financial burden of treatment on Ghanaian families.

MRA/AE

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