Ahafo Region Secures Universal Health Coverage Milestone as NHIA Expands Infrastructure in Banda

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has marked significant progress in its mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Ghana, highlighted by the Ahafo Region's second consecutive year of meeting UHC targets. By the end of 2025, the Ahafo Region achieved an impressive 87% population coverage, surpassing its established performance targets by 110%. This milestone reflects a broader national effort to decentralize health insurance services and integrate innovative technologies to improve service delivery and accountability in the healthcare sector.

During the inauguration of the new Asunafo South district office, NHIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe commended the region for its leadership in health insurance penetration. He noted that Ahafo has become a pioneer in the implementation of the One-Time Attendance Code (OTAC) system. This digital solution is designed to enhance transparency, reduce the potential for fraudulent claims, and ensure that healthcare providers are held accountable for patient visits. Dr. Bampoe emphasized that while the 87% coverage is a historic achievement, the authority remains committed to registering eligible residents in the most remote areas to ensure no one is left behind.

In a parallel development in the Bono Region, the long-standing challenge of healthcare accessibility for the people of Banda has been addressed with the commissioning of a new NHIS district office complex. Prior to this intervention, residents were forced to undertake a grueling four-hour journey to Nsawkaw to access insurance services. The new facility, constructed through the initiative of Member of Parliament Ahmed Ibrahim, includes a dedicated vehicle and motorbikes to facilitate outreach programs. These logistics are expected to significantly boost registration numbers by allowing NHIS officials to reach rural communities that were previously cut off from basic administrative support.

These advancements align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health, poverty reduction, and the elimination of inequality. By reducing travel times and implementing more rigorous fraud detection systems, the NHIA is strengthening the financial sustainability of the scheme while expanding its reach. Moving forward, authorities have pledged continued resource allocation to support these new offices, ensuring that the momentum gained in regions like Ahafo can be replicated nationwide to secure affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.