The Savannah Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) held its 2024 End-of-Year Performance Review Meeting on February 27, 2025, in Damongo, celebrating a significant achievement.
The region registered 208,245 vulnerable individuals under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), surpassing its target of 141,985 by an impressive 147%. This milestone is particularly noteworthy given the region’s high poverty incidence and ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his address, the Savannah Regional Director, Mr. Dauda Mahama, emphasized the review meeting’s importance as a platform to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and strategize for an even more successful 2025. To enhance operations and service delivery, the regional office, in collaboration with NHIA Head Office, commissioned several new facilities, including the Savannah Regional Office, the West Gonja Municipal Office, and the Kpandai District Office. Additionally, vehicles were secured for the Sawla/Tuna/Kalba District Office and the Central Gonja District Office.
Despite these advancements, Mr. Mahama highlighted persistent challenges, particularly illegal charges imposed by some credentialed healthcare facilities, which continue to hinder enrollment efforts. He also announced the appointment of Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe as the new Chief Executive Officer of NHIA.
Dr. Bampoe, a seasoned medical doctor and public health expert, previously served as Deputy Minister of Health and has worked with various UN agencies on global health initiatives. He has pledged to collaborate with the Minister of Health to fulfill the President’s vision of providing free primary healthcare for all Ghanaians under the “Mahama Cares” initiative.
During the presentation of the region’s 2024 performance, it was revealed that the Savannah Region achieved 92.1% of its active NHIS membership target. Notably, the Central Gonja District Office and the Bole District Office exceeded their targets, achieving 104% and 103%, respectively.
The Bole District Office leads the region, with 73% of its population registered as active NHIS members, positioning the Savannah Region strongly on its path toward achieving UHC.
The meeting served as a strategic platform to build on these successes and further enhance health insurance coverage across the region.
