The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced that active membership under the National Health Insurance Scheme has increased from 56.3 per cent in 2024 to 70 per cent as of August 2026, describing the growth as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen access to healthcare.
Mr Akandoh attributed the increase to measures to improve the financial position of the NHIS, including the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy, which he said had provided the scheme with additional resources to meet its obligations to healthcare providers.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health's Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and key stakeholders, he said the government had increased funding for the NHIS from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025, resulting in an average 50 per cent increase in payments to healthcare providers.
The Minister mentioned that GH¢2.1 billion had been paid in NHIS claims between January and September 2026, helping to improve the ability of healthcare providers to continue serving beneficiaries while reducing delays in claims payments.
Mr Akandoh also said the Free Primary Healthcare initiative was now being delivered in 135 districts, with plans to expand the programme nationwide as part of efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage.
He said government was also prioritising the completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects, alongside work on three regional hospitals and the procurement of 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to retool health facilities.
The Minister revealed that 220 ambulances had been insured and were currently operational, while government planned to procure an additional 100 ambulances in 2027 to strengthen emergency medical services across the country.
Mr Akandoh emphasised that the health sector was further advancing six post-basic specialist nursing programmes involving more than 600 students, as well as an electronic bed management system aimed at improving the coordination and utilisation of hospital beds.
These interventions, he stated, form part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen Ghana's health system, improve access to quality healthcare, and move the country closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
