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The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to compel the Finance Minister to release all outstanding payments to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). They warn that the neglect of these payments has placed the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in a critical financial state, potentially threatening its survival.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, stated on May 24, “The Minority calls on the Bawumia-led Economic Management Team to direct the Minister responsible for Finance to release and transfer all outstanding payments to the National Health Insurance Fund by close of the week to prevent the scheme from being imperiled due to lack of funds.” He emphasized the importance of adhering to the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act (Act 852), warning that non-compliance has serious consequences.
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Mr. Akandoh highlighted the financial distress of the NHIA, noting that it has not received any funds from the Ministry of Finance this year. Their checks at the Bank of Ghana reveal that the NHIF has less than GHS1.0 million, a situation he described as dire. He expressed the minority’s outrage at the government’s disregard for the sustainability of the NHIS, which has led to its current financially bankrupt state.
However, the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has dismissed claims of insolvency. He stressed the NHIA’s strong financial position, citing monthly disbursements of between GHS180 million and GHS250 million. Dr. Aboagye maintained that such substantial expenditures would not be possible if the NHIA were bankrupt. Speaking on JoyNews’ AM show, he acknowledged the need for timely releases from the Ministry of Finance but assured that the NHIA remains sustainable.
Dr. Aboagye reassured the public that the NHIA’s funding will remain stable despite Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the upcoming election year. He noted that recent communications with the Finance Ministry indicate that fund releases are forthcoming, with the Minister having provided assurances in this regard.
