Three Central Districts surpass 100% UHC target as NHIA reviews progress

Three districts in the Central Region have surpassed the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) threshold, with the Mfantsiman Municipality recording 103 per cent coverage, Oguaa Municipality achieving 102 per cent, and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipality also exceeding 100 per cent, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced.

The figures were disclosed during the NHIA Central Regional Directorate's two-day Mid-Year Performance Review meeting held at Joees Plaza Hotel in Assin Foso on Thursday and Friday, July 30–31, 2026.

Held under the theme, "Leaving No One Behind: Achieving UHC in 2026, A Collective Responsibility," the meeting brought together management, staff and key stakeholders to assess the Authority's performance during the first half of the year and strategise towards achieving universal health coverage ahead of the national target of 2030.

Addressing participants, the Acting Central Regional Director of the NHIA, Mr. Kojo Sekyere Koi Thompson, revealed that six districts in the region are on track to attain universal health coverage by the end of 2026 despite operating under limited resources.

He praised the commitment and resilience of the region's approximately 250 staff, noting that they continue to deliver outstanding results in comparison with better-resourced regions.

"The Eastern Region has 20 district offices and better resources, yet with our limited means, we are competing favourably. My staff deserve immense praise," he said.

Mr. Thompson also highlighted the region's achievements in public engagement and institutional visibility, stating that the Central Region currently leads all NHIA regional offices in social, electronic and print media presence.

He attributed the success to the strategic direction of the NHIA Chief Executive Officer and the dedication of staff.

"You are the roots that keep the tree standing. You have been with us through thick and thin, and I am grateful for your support and patience," he told the staff.

Chairman for the occasion, the Gyaasewahene of Afutuakwa, Nana Nkrumah Sako, commended the NHIA for its efforts and urged all stakeholders to continue supporting the Authority in its quest to achieve universal health coverage.

The Presiding Member of the Assin Foso Municipal Assembly, Hon. Eric Mensah, also lauded the NHIA for selecting the municipality to host the review meeting and praised the collaboration between the Authority and Assembly members during new-member registration exercises.

"All these are geared towards the full attainment of the President's vision—free primary health care for the country," he said.

Encouraging staff to remain committed to their responsibilities, he added: "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."

The Sister-in-Charge of St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso, Sr. Georgina Donzing, commended the NHIA for the significant improvement in the settlement of claims submitted by healthcare providers.

"Initially, it took several months, sometimes a year, for claims to be paid, but that narrative has changed. We now receive payments monthly, and any delays are usually from our end," she said.

She, however, appealed to the Authority to intensify public education and enrolment campaigns, expressing concern that many vulnerable people still do not possess valid NHIS cards and therefore struggle to access healthcare when they fall ill.

Other dignitaries at the event included Nana Apiadu I, Akyeamehene of Afutuakwa; Mr. Benjamin Amoakoh, Municipal Director of Health for Assin Foso; Dr. Gilbert Agyemang Prempeh, Medical Superintendent of the Assin Foso Polyclinic; and the Deputy Director of the Central Regional Planning and Coordinating Unit.

The performance review forms part of the NHIA's efforts to assess progress, strengthen service delivery and accelerate the attainment of universal health coverage, with the Central Region positioning itself to achieve the target well ahead of the national 2030 deadline.