NHIS active membership rises to 70% as government expands health investments

Active membership under Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has increased from 56.3 per cent in 2024 to 70 per cent as of August 2026, Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced.

The Minister said the growth reflected government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare and strengthen the financial sustainability of the NHIS.

Speaking at a Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and key stakeholders, Mr. Akandoh attributed the increase partly to measures aimed at improving the scheme’s financial position, including the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy.

According to him, the additional resources had enabled the NHIS to meet its financial obligations to healthcare providers and improve the delivery of services to beneficiaries.

He disclosed that government funding for the NHIS increased from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025, contributing to an average 50 per cent increase in payments to healthcare providers.

The Minister further revealed that GH¢2.1 billion had been paid in NHIS claims between January and September 2026, helping to reduce delays in claims payments and improve healthcare providers’ ability to continue serving NHIS beneficiaries.

Mr. Akandoh also announced that the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative was currently being implemented in 135 districts.

He said plans were underway to expand the programme nationwide as part of efforts to accelerate Ghana’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

The Minister said the government was also prioritising the completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects, while work was progressing on three regional hospitals.

In addition, 24,534 pieces of medical equipment are being procured to retool health facilities and improve their capacity to deliver quality healthcare.

On emergency medical services, Mr. Akandoh said 220 ambulances had been insured and were currently operational across the country.

Government, he added, planned to procure an additional 100 ambulances in 2027 to further strengthen emergency response and referral services.

The Minister also highlighted investments in the health workforce, noting that six post-basic specialist nursing programmes were being advanced, with more than 600 students currently enrolled.

An electronic bed management system is also being introduced to improve the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds.

Mr. Akandoh said the various interventions formed part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s health system, improve access to quality healthcare and bring the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Story: Joshua Kwabena Smith