Health News from Ghana

The latest health news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Early screening key to beating breast cancer
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Ghana Health Experts and Officials Urge Early Detection and Lifestyle Changes Amid Rising Non-Communicable Diseases

Health professionals and government officials across Ghana are raising alarms over a surge in preventable health conditions, particularly among younger citizens. Dr. Kow Entsua-Mensah, Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, recently warned that Ghanaians in their 30s and 50s are increasingly succumbing to cardiovascular diseases, often remaining unaware of their condition until a fatal crisis occurs. This rise in chronic illness carries a heavy psychological toll; recent reports highlighted the tragic case of Gifty, a 27-year-old woman whose battle with kidney failure since her university days led to a harrowing suicide attempt. These cases underscore a critical need for a national shift toward regular medical check-ups and improved emergency response capabilities, including widespread public training in CPR. Parallel to the concerns over chronic diseases, intensive public health campaigns are targeting both infectious and gender-specific ailments. During the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, shared the personal pain of losing his sister to the disease to advocate for mandatory screenings for ministry staff and the general public. He emphasized that early detection is the only way to save lives and called for an end to the social stigma surrounding the illness. Similarly, in the Agbogba community, CIC Ghana marked World Rabies Day by educating nearly 200 schoolchildren and teachers on bite prevention and post-exposure care, while veterinary technicians provided vaccinations for local pets to curb the spread of the virus. Beyond internal and infectious diseases, specialists are also warning about the irreversible nature of sensory health damage caused by modern lifestyles. Audiologists have noted that everyday activities, such as using headphones at high volumes or engaging in loud home repairs without protection, are contributing to a silent epidemic of hearing loss among the youth. Because the hair cells in the ear do not regenerate once destroyed, medical experts are urging the public to adopt protective measures, such as using high-fidelity earplugs at loud events and seeking regular hearing tests. From hearing protection to cancer screening and rabies vaccination, the consensus among Ghana's health stakeholders is clear: proactive prevention and early intervention remain the most effective defenses against the country's evolving health challenges.

Adolescent Girls’ Programme impacting adolescents positively in Central Tongu, Akatsi North
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President Mahama Champions Health Sovereignty While Grassroots Initiatives Show Progress in Reproductive Health

President John Mahama has called on African leaders to shift their perspective on healthcare, viewing it as a vital economic investment rather than a charitable expense. Speaking at the Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, the President emphasized the necessity of "health sovereignty," urging the continent to reduce its heavy reliance on imported pharmaceuticals through local manufacturing. This vision aligns with the President's broader push for healthcare security, highlighted by the introduction of the Health Investment and National Gateway (HINGE) initiative, which aims to streamline regulations and attract private capital into the health sector to ensure sustainable solutions for Africa's growing population. While policy discussions take place on the international stage, local health initiatives are already yielding tangible results within Ghana. The Adolescent Girls’ Programme (AGP), a collaborative effort between UNFPA, UNICEF, and Global Affairs Canada launched in 2025, has reported significant success in the Central Tongu District. The program has led to a sharp decline in teenage pregnancy rates and a corresponding increase in educational engagement. Notably, at the Mafi-Kumase Comboni R.C. School, reported teenage pregnancies dropped from five annually a few years ago to zero this year. Health facilities also note that pregnant teenagers are increasingly seeking prenatal care and prioritizing their education post-childbirth, reflecting a shift in community support and informed decision-making. Despite these successes, health experts and advocates warn that sustained progress requires concrete financial commitments from the government. At a recent meeting in Accra organized by Women Media and Change (WOMEC) and the Micronutrient Forum Global Conference, panelists urged the government to translate nutrition promises into actionable budget items. Specifically, advocates are pushing for the government to finance Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation for pregnant women and address financial barriers to implementing nutrition interventions. Dr. Audry Smock Amoah, who chaired the session, emphasized that national resource allocation must align with nutritional priorities to protect the most vulnerable groups, including women and children. These developments reflect a multi-layered approach to health in Ghana, where high-level economic policy intersects with grassroots social interventions and advocacy for nutritional funding. President Mahama’s call for private-sector collaboration and health sovereignty provides a strategic framework, while programs like the AGP demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted community support. Moving forward, the long-term success of Ghana’s health sector will depend on the government's ability to integrate these various efforts—ensuring that the vision of a self-reliant health economy is supported by robust, consistent funding for basic nutrition and reproductive health at the local level.

Zenith Bank supports Childhood Cancer Unit at Greater Accra Regional Hospital
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Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals and Zenith Bank Provide Major Healthcare Support to Tamale and Accra Hospitals

Ghana's healthcare sector has received a significant boost following separate corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions from Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals and Zenith Bank Ghana. These initiatives, aimed at enhancing maternal, child, and oncology services, come at a critical time as major health facilities seek to improve outcomes for vulnerable patient populations. In the Northern Region, Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals marked the centennial anniversary of the Tamale West Hospital with essential equipment donations, while in the capital, Zenith Bank contributed GH¢150,000 to bolster childhood cancer treatment at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH).The Tamale West Hospital, celebrating 100 years of service under the theme ‘100 years of care and compassion: brighter future for maternal & child health,’ received a suite of donations from Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals. Nathaniel Palm, the company's Head of Sales and Marketing, presented gynaecological beds, various medicines, and cash to the facility. This support is specifically designed to strengthen the hospital's capacity for maternal and child healthcare, ensuring that the facility can continue its legacy of care with modernized equipment and resources.Simultaneously, Zenith Bank Ghana has focused its 21st-anniversary efforts on the Childhood Cancer Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. In collaboration with the NGO Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana, the bank donated GH¢150,000 to alleviate the financial burden on families of children undergoing cancer treatment. Managing Director Henry Onwuzurigbo emphasized that the donation reflects the bank's commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. Dr. Nihad Salifu of Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana underscored the urgency of such support, noting that financial assistance is vital for ensuring early detection and continuous treatment, which are key to survival.These strategic partnerships between the private sector and public health institutions highlight the growing importance of corporate philanthropy in Ghana's medical landscape. As Dr. Leslie Issa Adam Zakaria, Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, noted, such contributions are essential for maintaining high-quality specialized care. By targeting specific needs—from centennial infrastructure upgrades in Tamale to life-saving oncology funding in Accra—these corporate entities are playing a pivotal role in strengthening the national healthcare system and improving patient welfare across the country.

Dr De-Gaulle Dogbatsey honoured for pioneering prostate care
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Dr. De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey Named Among 100 Legendary Dignitaries in Ghana’s Health Sector

Dr. De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre, has been officially recognized as one of the 100 Ghana Legendary Dignitaries in Health for 2026. This prestigious honor was conferred during an awards ceremony held at the Palms By Eagles Hotel in Accra, organized by The Business Executive. The recognition highlights Dr. Dogbatsey’s transformative impact on men's healthcare and his leadership in the field of plant-based medicine within Ghana and across the African continent. Dr. Dogbatsey’s career is marked by a blend of rigorous academic training and entrepreneurial innovation. A graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a former senior medical officer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, he transitioned from mainstream clinical practice to specialize in the management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). His Medi-Moses Clinic and Prostate Centre has since expanded to five branches across Ghana, where it is estimated to have treated over one million patients using a combination of modern diagnostic tools and specialized non-invasive treatments. The award organizers particularly lauded Dr. Dogbatsey for his pioneering work in herbal pharmacology. His flagship innovation, Prostatcure Herbal Tea, has gained international acclaim as an effective, plant-based solution for managing enlarged prostate conditions. By professionalizing the application of traditional African medicine and integrating it into a modern clinical setting, Dr. Dogbatsey has established himself as a key figure in the evolution of indigenous healthcare solutions, bridging the gap between local resources and global health standards. This latest accolade solidifies Dr. Dogbatsey’s reputation as a visionary medical professional and entrepreneur. The 100 Legendary Dignitaries in Health list serves to honor those whose advancements have significantly improved health outcomes and provided accessible care alternatives. As Medi-Moses continues to expand its reach, Dr. Dogbatsey’s contributions remain a testament to the potential for African-led innovations to address critical health challenges on both a local and international scale.

MP Bataglia Calls for Urgent Intervention as Yellow Fever Outbreak Claims Seven Lives in Sissala East
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MP Bataglia Calls for Urgent Intervention as Yellow Fever Outbreak Claims Seven Lives in Sissala East

A confirmed Yellow Fever outbreak in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region has resulted in at least seven deaths, sparking widespread alarm among residents and local leadership. The Municipal Health Directorate has confirmed that the outbreak is primarily affecting the younger population, specifically children and young adults between the ages of 0 and 25. The rapid onset of the disease and the rising death toll have created a sense of urgency among health officials and community members as they work to prevent further fatalities. Local leaders have described a harrowing situation on the ground, with a Fulani chief reporting that the first victim, a young child, died shortly after being referred for medical treatment. Since then, additional deaths have been recorded under similar circumstances, prompting the chief to escalate concerns to the Tumu Traditional Council and regional health authorities. The community is reportedly gripped by anxiety as the number of fatalities among children continues to rise, highlighting a critical need for immediate medical supplies and personnel in the affected areas. In response to the crisis, the Member of Parliament for Sissala East, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, has voiced his deep concern and is actively seeking a multi-sectoral intervention. Mr. Bataglia has contacted local health officials for a detailed assessment of the situation and is urging for a massive public education campaign. He emphasized that the vulnerability of children and young people makes the situation particularly dire, necessitating a swift and coordinated response from the national health authorities to manage the outbreak and provide necessary support to the municipality. Moving forward, the focus remains on containing the spread through vector control and potential emergency vaccination drives. Health experts underscore that Yellow Fever is a preventable disease, yet its emergence in Sissala East points to gaps in local health surveillance or vaccination coverage that must be addressed. As the Municipal Health Directorate continues its monitoring, residents are being encouraged to report any symptoms of fever or jaundice immediately to the nearest health facility to ensure early treatment and prevent further loss of life.

A vibrant vector illustration featuring three diverse young women sitting together in a show of solidarity. The central figure, wearing a hijab and glasses, holds a white placard with the message "PROTECT OUR HEALTH, EDUCATION, & FUTURES."
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Plan International Study Links Climate Disasters to Increased Vulnerability of Girls to Child Marriage and Pregnancy

A comprehensive global study conducted by Plan International has revealed a direct and alarming link between climate-related disasters and the increased vulnerability of girls to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and violence. Analyzing health and climate data from 52 low- and middle-income countries, the research underscores how extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves are not merely environmental challenges but significant drivers of social and health crises. The findings suggest that climate shocks act as a catalyst for human rights violations, disproportionately affecting young women in vulnerable regions. The study's statistical findings paint a troubling picture of the current landscape. According to the data, 10% of girls surveyed reported experiencing unintended pregnancies specifically linked to climate-related events, while 36% of participants noted a visible uptick in child marriages within their communities following disasters. This correlation is often driven by economic desperation following crop failures or property loss, where families may resort to early marriage as a survival mechanism. Furthermore, the study found that 10% of girls had married before the age of 18, with a significant number of these unions occurring in the wake of climate-induced displacement or poverty. Beyond immediate social risks, the research highlights a severe disruption in essential services. Approximately 76% of girls reported facing significant difficulties in accessing health services, a figure that rises to 84% among those specifically affected by drought. Education, which serves as a primary defense against early marriage and unintended pregnancy, is also under threat; girls whose education is disrupted by climate events are twice as likely to face these risks compared to those who remain in school. The inability to access reproductive health services and the loss of safe educational environments create a vacuum that leaves girls exposed to exploitation and long-term health complications. In light of these findings, Plan International and experts such as Reena Ghelani have emphasized the urgent need for climate action strategies that specifically prioritize the health, education, and protection of girls. The report calls for a gender-transformative approach to emergency response and climate policy, ensuring that the unique risks faced by young women are addressed in national and international adaptation plans. Moving forward, the organization advocates for sustained investment in resilient health systems and the protection of educational pathways as vital components of any effective climate response strategy.

Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, is seen speaking into a microphone during a meeting. He wears a white cassock with red accents and a magenta skullcap, seated at a desk with bottled water and a Ministry of Health logo visible in the corner.
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Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference Demands Tougher Action on Tramadol and Marijuana to Protect Youth

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has issued a formal call to the government and law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts against the rising tide of drug abuse across the country. Speaking on behalf of the conference, President Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi emphasized that the nation’s current strategy must evolve to address the pervasive use of easily accessible substances, particularly tramadol and marijuana, which are increasingly devastating the lives of Ghanaian youth. The Bishops are urging authorities to move beyond high-profile drug seizures and tackle the substances that are most prevalent in local communities. A central tenet of the Bishops' appeal is the need to shift the national focus away from a narrow preoccupation with high-profile narcotics like cocaine. While acknowledging the significance of international drug trafficking, Most Rev. Gyamfi argued that such a focus often neglects the localized crisis where cheaper, more readily available drugs are widely consumed. The GCBC contends that focusing primarily on cocaine risks overlooking the immediate public health threats posed by unregulated pharmaceuticals and local narcotics that are actively eroding the potential of the younger generation. To combat this growing crisis, the Catholic Bishops are advocating for a more comprehensive national strategy supported by strengthened legislation and more rigorous enforcement. This includes stricter laws governing the importation, distribution, and illegal sale of pharmaceutical-grade opioids like tramadol, as well as the cultivation and sale of marijuana. The Bishops are calling on the government to act decisively to close regulatory loopholes that allow these substances to reach vulnerable populations, stressing that without a robust legal framework, the social fabric of the country remains under significant threat. The call for action is rooted in deep concern over the long-term social consequences of drug dependency, including its links to rising crime rates, mental health challenges, and the destruction of family units. By demanding a broader, more inclusive approach to drug control, the GCBC aims to ensure that public health interventions and law enforcement efforts are better aligned with the specific challenges faced by Ghanaian communities today. The conference concluded that immediate and sustained intervention is the only way to safeguard the future of the nation's youth and mitigate the profound social fallout of the drug epidemic.

German and US scientists win Nobel medicine prize for work on optogenetics
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Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for Brain Research

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute has awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, along with American researcher Karl Deisseroth. The trio was recognized for their pioneering work in optogenetics, a revolutionary technology that allows scientists to control the activity of individual nerve cells using light. This breakthrough has fundamentally transformed neuroscience by providing a precise tool to explore how specific neural circuits influence complex functions such as memory, emotion, and behavior within a living brain. At the heart of their discovery is the use of channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein found in algae. Hegemann and Nagel were instrumental in identifying these proteins and demonstrating how they could function as light-controlled switches when inserted into nerve cells. Deisseroth further advanced the field by applying these findings to complex neural systems, enabling researchers to "turn on" or "turn off" specific neurons with laser light. This level of precision was previously impossible, allowing for a much deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Upon receiving the news, the laureates expressed surprise and honor. Deisseroth noted the long and challenging journey of their research, while Nagel, receiving the call while on a terrace in Italy, shared his delight at being recognized alongside his colleagues. To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Prizes, the Nobel Foundation increased the award amount this year to 12 million Swedish crowns, approximately 1.2 million US dollars. The winners are set to receive their medals and diplomas during the formal prize presentation ceremony on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The implications of optogenetics extend far beyond basic research. The technology holds significant promise for medical breakthroughs, including potential treatments for restoring vision in patients with certain types of blindness and addressing severe mental health disorders. This announcement marks the start of the 2026 Nobel season, with further awards in Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics scheduled for the coming days. The scientific community views this recognition as a validation of a field that has already revolutionized how we perceive the complexity of the human mind.

A group of Ghanaian health professionals and officials posing for a photograph in front of a multi-story medical facility. The group includes nurses in white uniforms and individuals in formal attire, representing a collaborative gathering within the healthcare sector under the Ministry of Health.
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Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh Pledges New Staff for Weija-Gbawe Hospital as Ministry Opens 432 Mop-up Vacancies

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has emphasized that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology are vital for the future of Ghana's medical sector, they cannot replace the essential human connection of compassion, dignity, and respect in patient care. Speaking during an unannounced visit to the Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritizing the 'human touch' in healthcare delivery. To support this vision and address operational gaps, he announced the immediate deployment of 10 medical doctors and 30 nurses to the facility to strengthen its workforce and enhance service quality. The Weija-Gbawe Children’s Specialist Hospital, which commenced operations on August 17, 2026, serves as a critical secondary-level referral center with a 120-bed capacity. During his assessment, Minister Akandoh expressed satisfaction with the facility's progress and its recent accreditation under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Dr. Nana Okine Brago, the Acting Medical Superintendent, noted that the hospital is preparing to introduce inpatient services shortly. The Minister highlighted that the deployment of additional staff is part of a broader Ministry initiative to ensure that public health facilities are adequately equipped to handle patient loads and improve health outcomes. In tandem with these facility-specific improvements, the Ministry of Health is also launching a nationwide mop-up recruitment exercise to fill 432 healthcare professional slots. This recruitment, scheduled to begin in early October 2026, targets vacancies created by previous applicants who failed to report to their assigned posts. The 432 available positions include 266 nursing slots in teaching hospitals, 133 in Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) facilities, 30 within the Ghana Health Service (GHS), and 36 dedicated roles for pharmacy professionals. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the Ministry's official recruitment portal. These combined efforts reflect the Ministry's strategic focus on addressing the healthcare human resource deficit while maintaining high standards of clinical empathy. By integrating new technology with a robust, compassionate workforce and ensuring that existing vacancies are filled through mop-up exercises, the Ministry aims to create a more resilient and accessible healthcare system. Minister Akandoh’s visit and the subsequent recruitment drive signal a proactive approach to resolving the operational challenges currently facing Ghana’s public health sector.

A laboratory researcher dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a white hazmat suit, face mask, and safety goggles, is shown operating a microscope. This close-up shot emphasizes the intense and precise nature of high-risk biological research in a clinical setting.
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Siberian Health Authorities Quarantine Dozens Following Death of Anti-Plague Institute Researcher

The death of Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute in Shelekhov, Siberia, has triggered an extensive public health response and regional quarantines. Shipilova passed away from what has been diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown origin, a cause of death that has raised immediate concern due to the high-security nature of her workplace, which studies some of the world's most dangerous pathogens including the plague. In the wake of her passing, local authorities have moved swiftly to isolate dozens of individuals and implement heightened monitoring protocols across the Irkutsk region to mitigate the risk of a potential infectious disease outbreak. This rapid containment strategy underscores the sensitivity of biological research in the area and the priority placed on public safety. According to the Russian consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, preliminary investigations have not yet detected any hazardous microorganisms or specific pathogens linked to Shipilova’s professional duties. Officials have asserted that the epidemiological situation in the region remains stable and that no new cases of infection have been reported among those in contact with the deceased. Despite these reassurances, nearly 200 people remain under medical observation, and containment measures have been strictly enforced within regional hospitals and treatment facilities. This high level of caution reflects the rigorous biosecurity standards usually maintained at anti-plague institutes, where researchers handle high-risk agents such as Yersinia pestis, and aims to provide an absolute guarantee of safety while investigations continue. The incident has garnered international scrutiny, with the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international governments, including the United States, closely observing the developments. While global health bodies currently assess the risk to the general public as low, they have emphasized the necessity for transparency and the rapid dissemination of accurate information to prevent misinformation. Locally, the situation has led to mounting anxiety among residents, fueled by conflicting reports and the facility's specialized research focus. Siberian officials continue to urge calm, advising the public to avoid rumors and rely solely on official health updates as investigators finalize the autopsy and verify the absence of dangerous pathogens.

Kenya Confirms First Fatal Ebola Case as Health Authorities Launch Massive Contact Tracing Operation
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Kenya Confirms First Fatal Ebola Case as Health Authorities Launch Massive Contact Tracing Operation

Kenya has recorded its first-ever fatal case of Ebola, marking a significant escalation in the regional spread of the virus. Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed on Tuesday that the deceased was a Kenyan national who had been residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years. The individual, who exhibited severe symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, passed away at Nairobi Hospital shortly after arriving in the country. Laboratory tests have since confirmed the presence of the rare Bundibugyo strain, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine, complicating containment efforts from the outset. The patient’s journey to Nairobi has raised urgent concerns regarding the efficacy of cross-border surveillance and airport screenings. After falling ill nearly a month ago, the individual reportedly sought medical treatment at multiple facilities within the DRC before traveling through Uganda to reach Kenya. Crucially, the patient was not flagged by health screenings during his transit, allowing him to enter the Kenyan capital while infectious. This development follows a separate recent outbreak in Uganda, which recorded 20 cases and two deaths before being declared Ebola-free in August, highlighting the persistent threat of the virus across East African borders. In response to the fatality, Kenyan health authorities have initiated aggressive public health protocols to prevent a localized outbreak. Medical teams have identified 28 direct contacts who are now being monitored or placed in isolation, alongside 23 passengers who shared the same flight as the deceased. Minister Duale emphasized that these measures are part of a strict safety protocol to mitigate further spread. Because the Bundibugyo species is rare and lacks a standardized vaccine, health officials must rely almost entirely on rapid isolation and rigorous contact tracing to break the chain of transmission. Kenya is now the fourth nation to document a case in what experts describe as one of the fastest-growing Ebola epidemics in history. The crisis remains centered in the DRC, where the virus has claimed over 4,000 lives this year alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health experts warn that the current outbreak presents unprecedented challenges to public health systems. They are calling for immediate enhancement of regional health collaboration and surveillance to prevent further cross-border transmission and to manage the threat posed by this highly virulent strain.

NHIA Bolsters Universal Health Coverage with GH¢382.85m Claims Payment and Regional Expansion
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NHIA Bolsters Universal Health Coverage with GH¢382.85m Claims Payment and Regional Expansion

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a significant disbursement of GH¢382.85 million to healthcare providers for services rendered in September 2026, bringing the total claims paid for the year to GH¢2.115 billion. This financial injection is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system and maintain provider confidence. Of the latest payment, public healthcare facilities received the largest portion at GH¢197.32 million (51.54%), while private and mission facilities were allocated GH¢128.95 million (33.68%) and GH¢56.58 million (14.7%), respectively. NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe emphasized that these timely reimbursements are critical to ensuring NHIS members can access quality care without the burden of illegal co-payments or financial barriers. To further support healthcare providers and improve service delivery, the NHIA implemented a 50% increase in service tariffs in August 2026. Dr. Bampoe reiterated that because of these adjustments and the prompt payment of claims, healthcare facilities must strictly refrain from charging NHIS members for covered services. The authority remains committed to sustaining the trust of its partners and ensuring that the health insurance scheme remains a viable and reliable safety net for all Ghanaians, particularly as the country moves closer to its universal health goals. On the regional front, the Ahafo Region has emerged as a leader in healthcare accessibility, achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for the second consecutive year. The region reached an 87% population coverage rate in 2025, surpassing its target by 110%. During the inauguration of the Asunafo South district office, Dr. Bampoe praised the region’s innovation, specifically the implementation of the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system. This digital tool is designed to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent claims, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for health and inequality reduction. Physical expansion of NHIS services is also progressing in the Bono Region, where a new district office complex has been inaugurated in Banda. Before this development, residents were forced to travel four hours to Nsawkaw to access insurance services. The new facility, constructed by Member of Parliament Ahmed Ibrahim, includes a dedicated vehicle and motorbikes to facilitate outreach in remote rural areas. This move is expected to significantly boost NHIS membership and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the most underserved populations. These combined efforts—financial stability through claim payments, technological innovation in the Ahafo Region, and infrastructure development in Banda—reflect a comprehensive approach to modernizing Ghana’s health insurance landscape. As the NHIA continues to expand its physical and digital footprint, the focus remains on eliminating financial hurdles for patients and fostering a transparent, efficient system that supports both public and private healthcare providers across the country.