In a renewed effort to restore public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Acting Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, has inaugurated a dedicated taskforce to tackle the persistent problem of illegal payments, popularly referred to as ‘co-payments’.

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The newly formed Claims and Co-Payment Committee has been tasked with identifying the root causes of these unauthorised charges and developing practical strategies to eliminate them. The four-member body is chaired by Dr. Francis Asenso-Boadi, a Director at NHIA, with Dr. Yaw Opoku Boateng, Mr. Daniel Blankson, and Mr. Daniel Frempong Acheampong—who will also serve as the committee’s secretary—completing the team.

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Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the NHIA head office in Accra, Dr. Bampoe emphasised that the initiative is a core part of his broader agenda to strengthen the NHIS and ensure universal access to healthcare.

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“This morning, we had a press encounter, and one of the things that I said to the press was that there are a couple of things that we're looking at that I think my tenure can be judged by,” Dr. Bampoe said.

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He outlined two key targets—raising the percentage of NHIA funds allocated to claims payments and tackling illegal co-payments.

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“The first goal is to push up the percentage of funds that we receive that are allocated to claims payments to 65 percent in the first year and 70 percent in the second year. Additionally, we aim to provide NHIA staff with the tools they need to effectively perform their duties.

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“The second priority is to address the persistent issue of illegal payments, commonly referred to as co-payments. I am aware that many of my predecessors have attempted to tackle this problem, yet it continues to be a challenge.

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“If we fail to manage it effectively, all our efforts could be undermined because co-payments significantly impact confidence in the scheme.

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“To confront this issue, it appears necessary to establish a team composed of our brightest and most experienced individuals. Tackling this challenge requires a dedicated group; therefore, I believe it is vital to proceed with this inauguration. We must ensure this team receives full support, as their success will ultimately be our success.”

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Dr. Bampoe also pledged to ensure the committee is resourced and empowered to deliver results. He encouraged the team to embrace a new, results-oriented approach distinct from past efforts.

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“Their success will ultimately be our success,” he said.

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Deputy Chief Executive of Operations, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, also praised the initiative and congratulated the committee for accepting such a critical assignment. Drawing on his long-standing experience in the health sector, he used a Ghanaian proverb to caution against complacency.

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“I've been on the other side for a very long time, and I told some colleagues that when the hunter learns to shoot without missing the bird, the bird certainly learns to fly without perching,” he noted.

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Dr. Dzokoto stressed the importance of a thorough investigation into the underlying causes of co-payment practices.

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“I'm very grateful to Chief for this wisdom and deciding this time to dive deep and find out what the root causes are and what strategies can be put in place to curb the illegal co-payments that are happening in the facilities.”

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“We are ready to support you to succeed, just like what you said. Your success is our collective success as an Authority. So once again, thank you and congratulations.”

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Mr. Raphael Segkpeb, Deputy Chief Executive for Administration and HR, reminded the committee of the lessons from past failures and challenged them to deliver concrete outcomes this time around.

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“I think it's a great opportunity for all of us as management of NHIA—and for you in particular, as members of the committee—to deliver on this particular mandate.

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“Because, as you recall, we've been down this road before. We had a committee that was tasked to do exactly what we are asking you to do today, but we did not get the desired results.

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“I don't know what happened. But I believe we have learned some lessons—from what we could have done right, what didn't go well.

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“And based on that, I expect that we should be in a position to correct what didn't go well or what we could have done well so that we deliver this time round.

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“Because if we fail a second time, I don't think posterity will forgive us. The monies are coming directly. It's uncapped. So, if these monies come in and we don't take practical steps to block the loopholes, even if we're given $1 billion, trust me, it will find its way into the wrong pockets—for no job done.

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I'm very convinced that if you put your shoulders to the wheel, we will come out victorious.”

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Deputy Chief Executive for Finance and Investment, Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, also expressed her full backing for the taskforce and affirmed that her office would work closely with Dr. Bampoe to secure the committee's success.

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Other directors present at the inauguration pledged their cooperation, framing the committee’s mandate as a collective responsibility to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the NHIS.

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