NHIS active membership jumps from 56% to 70% - Health Minister

Active membership of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has risen from 56.3% in 2024 to 70% as of August 2026, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has announced. According to the Minister, the increase reflects efforts by the government to strengthen the financial position of the NHIS and improve access to healthcare across the country. Mr Akandoh said the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy had provided the scheme with additional resources to meet its financial obligations to healthcare providers. Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and key stakeholders, he disclosed that government funding for the NHIS had increased from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025. He said the increased funding had contributed to an average 50 per cent rise in payments to healthcare providers, helping to ease pressure on facilities and improve service delivery to NHIS beneficiaries. The Minister further disclosed that GH¢2.1 billion had been paid in NHIS claims between January and September 2026, saying the payments had strengthened the capacity of healthcare providers to continue serving beneficiaries while reducing delays in claims settlement. Beyond the NHIS, Mr Akandoh said the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative was currently being implemented in 135 districts, with plans to extend the programme nationwide. He said the expansion formed part of efforts to accelerate Ghana’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage by bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities. The Minister also announced that government was prioritising the completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects, alongside the construction of three regional hospitals and the procurement of 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to retool health facilities. On emergency healthcare, Mr Akandoh said 220 ambulances had been insured and were currently operational across the country. He added that government planned to procure another 100 ambulances in 2027 to further strengthen emergency medical services and improve response times. In the area of specialised healthcare training, the Minister said six post-basic specialist nursing programmes were being advanced, with more than 600 students currently enrolled. He also announced the introduction of an electronic bed management system designed to improve the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds and help address challenges associated with bed availability. Mr Akandoh said the various interventions were part of a broader government strategy to strengthen Ghana’s health system, expand access to quality healthcare and move the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage. EASource: Ministry of Health
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