By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The West African College of Physicians (Ghana Chapter) has held its 2025 Annual Public Lecture in Accra, convening leading health experts, policymakers, and practitioners to examine the future of healthcare financing in Ghana. This year’s lecture was held on the theme “Comprehensive Health Care Financing for Every Ghanaian: A Mirage or Reality?”
The event provided a national platform for assessing the sustainability of Ghana’s health financing architecture, with speakers highlighting the ongoing funding gaps, rising population health demands, inefficiencies, and the need for innovative financing models that support universal access without compromising quality.
Speakers with varied backgrounds in public health administration, clinical care, and health policy led discussions on the structural challenges confronting the system. Participants examined sustainability of insurance premiums, the role of public–private partnerships, system efficiency, and the fiscal pressures affecting health service delivery nationwide.
Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive for Operations at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), stated that despite challenges, Ghana is making “remarkable progress” toward universal health coverage. He noted that NHIS membership has expanded from 18 million to nearly 21 million, demonstrating increased public trust.
He added that the NHIA is working toward achieving 80% population coverage by 2030, supported by scaled-up financial protection measures. Dr. Djokoto emphasized the need to continuously strengthen partnerships with global health actors, service providers, and government institutions to secure sustainable health financing. He also highlighted that reimbursement to facilities is expected to increase significantly next year, a move he believes signals that comprehensive healthcare financing is achievable with the right policy decisions.
Dr. Norbert Kipo, Policy Advisor for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, underscored the need for dedicated, reliable funding sources to support chronic and specialized care. He said discussions during the lecture explored several tax options, particularly health taxes on products linked to non-communicable diseases as potential financing streams.
He referenced the COVID-19 levy debate, noting that although it evolved into what many considered a “nuisance tax,” there is room for more sustainable mechanisms that both discourage harmful consumption and generate revenue for the Medical Trust Fund. Dr. Kipo also called for leveraging corporate social responsibility contributions, private insurance participation, and sector-specific support from associations.
Dr. Collins Kokuro, National Secretary of the West African College of Physicians and Consultant Cardiologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, reiterated the need for holistic financing reforms to ensure that every Ghanaian—regardless of income, geographic location, or social background can access essential health services.
He stressed that while government has increased its allocation to the NHIS, funding is still not sufficient to cover the full spectrum of services. He called for new revenue streams, including sin taxes, corporate tax incentives for companies supporting health initiatives, and greater investment in preventive healthcare.
Dr. Kokuro warned that treatment costs rise sharply when illnesses are detected late, and therefore funding models must prioritize screenings, early diagnosis, and health promotion. He emphasized that achieving comprehensive healthcare financing requires collaboration between government, private sector actors, international partners, healthcare practitioners, and citizens.
The speakers collectively agreed that although Ghana has made notable gains, achieving equitable, comprehensive healthcare access for all will require bold reforms, stronger accountability systems, and a financing framework that balances sustainability with fairness.
The Annual Public Lecture reaffirmed the College’s commitment to advancing informed, evidence-based discussions aimed at strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system and improving health outcomes for all citizens.
