Ghana’s NHIS active membership has increased to 70% as of August 2026, up from 56.3% in 2024, according to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s Health Sector Update Engagement with the media and other stakeholders, Mr Akandoh linked the increase to measures aimed at improving the finances of the National Health Insurance Scheme and widening access to healthcare.
He said the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy had provided additional resources for the scheme to meet obligations to health facilities.
NHIS Funding Increased to GH¢9.8bn
Government funding for the NHIS increased from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025, the Minister said.
According to him, the additional resources contributed to an average 50% increase in payments to healthcare providers.
Between January and September 2026, GH¢2.1 billion was paid in NHIS claims, a move government says is helping reduce payment delays and strengthen the capacity of facilities to continue treating insured patients.
The improvement in active membership comes as government rolls out other programmes intended to move Ghana closer to Universal Health Coverage.
Free Primary Healthcare Reaches 135 Districts
Mr Akandoh said the Free Primary Healthcare initiative is currently operating in 135 districts, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Government is also prioritising the completion of 35 Agenda 111 hospitals and three regional hospitals.
The Ministry is procuring 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to retool health facilities, while 220 insured ambulances are currently operational. Another 100 ambulances are planned for procurement in 2027.
The health sector is also running six post basic specialist nursing programmes involving more than 600 students.
An electronic bed management system is being developed to improve the allocation and use of hospital beds.
Mr Akandoh said the various interventions are intended to strengthen healthcare delivery while making services more accessible across the country.
READ ALSO: GoldBod Sells $125m to Banks in Maiden FX Auction
