"There are issues of illegal charges at some facilities" – Samuel Sowah Oblejumah

The Acting Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Samuel Sowah Oblejumah, has raised concerns over illegal charges being levied by some healthcare facilities, despite ongoing efforts to improve service delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com on the sidelines of a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at his palace on Friday, Mr. Oblejumah admitted that while the scheme remains functional and continues to benefit many Ghanaians, the issue of unauthorized charges is undermining public trust.

“There are some issues of illegal charges at some of the facilities,” he disclosed.

“Although people are still benefiting from the scheme, the service delivery is not always as expected.”

He explained that the NHIA has taken the matter seriously, with the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, constituting a national task force to investigate and address these incidents.

Mr. Oblejumah also cited a recent disciplinary action taken against the Akim Oda Government Hospital, which was sanctioned over reported illegal charges.

He further noted that from January to June 2025, there has been a significant improvement in claims reimbursement to healthcare providers, a development that has been acknowledged by facility administrators across the region.

“We are appealing to healthcare providers to take good care of our members,” he urged.

“We have a committee that is regularly reviewing payments to ensure they reflect realistic market values for medicines and services.”

The visit to the Ga Mantse formed part of efforts to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders in promoting the NHIA, especially in registering vulnerable groups ahead of annual festivals.

Mr. Oblejumah emphasized that their goal is to ensure at least 80 percent of the population has access to quality healthcare, in line with Ghana’s universal health coverage targets.

In his remarks, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II congratulated Mr. Oblejumah on his appointment and urged him to lead with truth and honesty.

He assured the NHIA of the Ga Traditional Council’s full support in driving health insurance registration and ensuring that citizens not only enroll but also enjoy the full benefits of the scheme.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith