The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a major financial boost for healthcare providers across Ghana, with a projected 120% upward adjustment in service tariffs set to take effect from January 2026. The revision, described as one of the most comprehensive reforms to Ghana’s health financing system in recent years, will be implemented pending formal approval from the Minister for Health, as required by law.
According to the NHIA, the new tariff structure is expected to significantly improve service delivery, strengthen the financial sustainability of health facilities, and enhance patient experience under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Speaking at a regional training programme for health sector leaders from the Volta and Oti Regions, Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations—representing the NHIA Chief Executive Officer—commended the Independent Clinical Experts’ Group for developing evidence-based tariffs that reflect the true cost of healthcare services.
He clarified that although the headline adjustment is 180%, the effective increase in claims reimbursement will average at least 120%, depending on the service mix offered by each facility.
Dr. Djokoto attributed the breakthrough to the Government’s decision to uncap the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), a move that has unlocked an additional GH¢3.4 billion to support improved healthcare delivery.
> “The uncapping of the NHIF by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama gives us the fiscal space to implement the reviewed tariffs, roll out the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, and channel resources to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for chronic disease support,” he stated.
However, Dr. Djokoto also raised concerns about the persistence of illegal charges in some health facilities. He emphasized that with the introduction of more realistic tariffs, the NHIA will intensify its enforcement actions. A task force commissioned by NHIA CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe has already identified tariff alignment as a crucial tool for eliminating unauthorised payments.
Healthcare leaders at the training programme welcomed the upcoming reforms, describing them as timely and essential.
Rev. Prof. Adukwei Hesse, a World Bank consultant involved in the tariff review process, praised the new structure as “comprehensive and consistent with global best practices.”
Similarly, Dr. Isaac Koranteng, a Consultant Obstetrician at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, expressed optimism that the revised tariffs will help curb illegal co-payments, restore provider confidence, and enhance patient welfare.
The NHIA says it will continue its nationwide regional engagements to ensure that health facility managers and frontline staff fully understand the implications of the new tariff regime ahead of its rollout.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku