Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has stressed that National Health Insurance coverage has increased from 57 per cent to about 70 per cent in less than two years.
He said the increase in the coverage was as a result of government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy aimed at enhancing health care delivery in the country.
Hon. Akandoh made the statement at the “Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra on Wednesday, October 7, organized by the Ministry.
“We’re strengthening what we have come to meet. We took the NHIS from 57%; as I speak to you now, it’s about 70%. In a matter of less than two years,” he said.
He said the decision contributed to an increased in funding for the scheme from about GH¢6.5 billion in 2024 to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025.
Mr. Akandoh also disclosed that the government has increased payments to healthcare providers by an average of 50 per cent to improve service delivery.
He said the increase is intended to address delays in claims payments and improve access to healthcare.
The Juaboso Member of Parliament also revealed that the free primary health Care (FPHC) which was launched in August 15, 2026 is currently in 135 Districts maintaining that it is their hope to increase to to 150 districts before the close of 2026.
He also stressed that 6 regional hospitals would be built as promised by government adding that contractors are upbeat for the construction of the hospitals.
Touching on the recent outbreak of yellow fever, the Minister confirmed that about 400 cases of yellow fever have been recorded in the country.
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450 suspected yellow fever cases recorded from June to September – Akandoh
Isaac OffeibyIsaac Offei October 7, 2026Reading Time: 1 min read
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says 450 suspected yellow fever cases were recorded across Ghana between June and September 2026.Shop African Art
Speaking at the Ministry of Health’s Health Sector Update Engagement in Accra, Mr Akandoh said 74 of the suspected cases were recorded in the Upper West Region, with three subsequently confirmed.
“As of yesterday, the suspected cases were around 450 from June to September. Out of that, 74 were from the Upper West and three were confirmed from Upper West. You see, sometimes the health professionals have a way of determining whether or not a death is attributable to a particular disease, but not until it’s confirmed.”
He said government has intensified surveillance and response measures, particularly in northern Ghana, while laboratories have been equipped with the necessary reagents to support the detection and confirmation of suspected cases.
Mr Akandoh said a National Rapid Response Team has been deployed to the Upper West Region, where confirmed cases have been recorded, while designated areas in district hospitals have been isolated to support the management of suspected and confirmed cases
He however allayed the fears that there is no cause for alarm as health officials are ready to contain the situation.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
