The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commended the decisive stance taken by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) to stamp out unlawful billing across the country’s healthcare facilities.

In separate, strongly worded directives issued on November 9 and November 11, 2026, both GHS and CHAG, which together represent the backbone of Ghana’s public and faith-based healthcare delivery network, instructed their respective hospitals and clinics to strictly adhere to National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) operational guidelines and immediately cease imposing unauthorised out-of-pocket fees on insured patients.

These regulatory notices directly reinforce a presidential mandate delivered by President John Dramani Mahama at the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).

During the conference, the President charged the NHIA to scale up surveillance of credentialed healthcare providers, execute rigorous facility-to-facility compliance audits, and impose strict sanctions on any institution found extorting patients.

In an official press statement, the NHIA described the twin directives as a pivotal display of institutional synergy aimed at safeguarding subscriber rights and rebuilding public trust in Ghana’s flagship social health protection programme.

The move significantly bolsters the aggressive zero-tolerance campaign spearheaded by NHIA Chief Executive Dr Victor Asare Bampoe since assuming office.

The Authority specifically praised CHAG for instructing its network of faith-based facilities to promptly adopt revised NHIA-approved tariffs, recalibrate their electronic billing systems, and fortify internal compliance mechanisms.

It equally underscored that the GHS directive serves as a vital reminder to public health administrators of their binding contractual obligations under the Scheme.

For years, unauthorised co-payments, commonly referred to locally as “top-ups”, have been a persistent sore point for patients, often blamed by providers on delayed reimbursements and outdated service tariffs.

However, the NHIA noted that these recent anti-extortion directives come on the heels of sweeping government interventions designed to guarantee the Scheme’s financial stability.

Key among these reforms are the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), consistent monthly disbursements for vetted claims, and a substantial upward adjustment of NHIS service tariffs by approximately 50 percent, which took effect in August 2026.

Backing these policy shifts with liquidity, the Authority disclosed that it disbursed GH¢210.36 million to credentialed providers in October alone, bringing cumulative claims payments for 2026 to GH¢2.325 billion.

While applauding the leadership of GHS and CHAG, the NHIA assured the Ghanaian public that policy pronouncements will be matched with robust field enforcement.

The Authority pledged to deepen its collaboration with healthcare provider associations, regional and district health directorates, and regulatory bodies to scrutinise billing practices and swiftly investigate reports of financial malpractice.

“Illegal co-payments and extra out-of-pocket charges place an unjust burden on vulnerable citizens and erode public confidence in the Scheme,” the statement emphasised, adding that the GHS and CHAG notices inject fresh momentum into the NHIA’s ongoing nationwide compliance audits and taskforce operations.

The Authority extended formal commendations to the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Executive Director of CHAG, Dr Peter Yeboah, and all accredited provider networks for prioritising patient welfare over illicit revenue generation.

Reiterating its broader mandate as Ghana accelerates towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the NHIA noted that the long-term viability of the Scheme relies on a dual foundation: sustainable, timely financing for healthcare providers and guaranteed, barrier-free access to care for subscribers.

“The NHIS exists to protect Ghanaians from the catastrophic financial burden of accessing healthcare,” the statement concluded. “We will not relent in our responsibility to ensure that every member receives the full benefits to which they are entitled.”

The NHIA reminds all active subscribers that they are legally entitled to receive all treatments and medications covered under the NHIS Benefit Package without paying unapproved fees.

Members who encounter extortion or illegal billing are strongly urged to report the offending facility immediately through any of the following official channels:

Toll-Free Shortcode: 6447

Direct Call Centre Lines: 054 444 6447 / 0302 74 6447

WhatsApp: 050 116 9878

Social Media: Official NHIA handles across major platforms