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Els MBN360
Ghana’s Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a 120% increase in tariffs paid to healthcare providers under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) starting January 2026. This move aims to improve healthcare delivery, restore provider confidence, and enhance patient welfare.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has been working on the tariff review, with the new structure considered comprehensive and consistent with global best practices. The increase is expected to address longstanding funding gaps, reduce illegal charges, and strengthen health facilities’ sustainability.
The NHIA has attributed the breakthrough to the government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), releasing an additional GH¢3.4 billion for improved healthcare delivery. The authority will continue nationwide regional engagements to ensure health facility managers and frontline staff understand the new tariff regime.
The Minister highlighted major infrastructure commitments captured in the 2026 budget. He noted that President Mahama had pledged to construct regional hospitals in areas without one, and that the first phase will begin next year.
“His Excellency promised the good people of this country that he was going to construct six regional hospitals in the regions where there are none. Fortunately enough, in the 2026 budget, we are going to begin the construction of three regional hospitals, namely the Savannah Region, the Oti Region and the Western North Region.”
He added that GH¢600 million has been allocated for this first phase.
The Minister also stressed that ongoing projects will not be left behind.
“His Excellency the President has again directed that no uncompleted health facility will be abandoned. We’ll continue to pursue La General Hospital, the Konfo Anokye Maternity Block, Shai Osudoku District Hospital, Agenda 111, and all other CHPS compounds.”
He described the current state of medical equipment in many primary facilities as “dire,” and noted that more than 50% of CHPS compounds lack basic equipment.
“The last time we did a major retooling in this country was His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s first administration. Since then, our health facilities have been suffering,” he said.
As part of the free primary healthcare programme, the government will retool frontline facilities with essential equipment to improve service delivery.
He announced additional investments, including: Three authorisation centres at Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye, and Tamale Teaching Hospitals, DNA testing machines for teaching hospitals and the Noguchi Memorial Institute, and upgrading regional and teaching hospitals to handle non-communicable diseases under Mahama Cares.
The Government Accountability Series provides a platform for sector ministers to present mid-year updates and preliminary assessments of the government’s performance, as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
