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Health Ministry cracks down on Hospitals charging illegal fees under NHIS
The Ministry of Health has launched a crackdown on hospitals and clinics demanding illegal payments from patients covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, revealed this when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, describing the practice often called “co-payment” or “top-up” as illegal and unacceptable.
He said although payments to health facilities are now regular and tariffs for medicines and services have been reviewed, some hospitals continue to charge patients extra fees for services that should be free.
“What is left to deal with is the issue of co-payment. Some facilities still demand extra money from patients even when they have valid NHIS cards. We have not completely solved it, but plans are far advanced to address the issue,” Mr. Akandoh told the Committee.
He added that the Ministry, working with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has set up a committee to investigate and sanction health facilities found guilty of such practices.
Mr. Akandoh used the opportunity to praise the Goaso District Hospital for setting a good example and assured Ghanaians that the Ministry will not tolerate any health facility exploiting patients.
“No patient with a valid NHIS card should be asked to pay extra for healthcare services. We will come after any facility that continues to do so,” the Minister warned.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and youth development in Ghana’s sports sector.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament today, Mr. Adams said the Ministry had set up a Fixed Asset Coordinating Unit within the National Sports Authority (NSA) to properly assess and manage the value of national sports infrastructure.
The move, he explained, is meant to boost revenue generation and ensure accountability in the management of state-owned sports facilities.
The Minister revealed plans to introduce an e-ticketing system across all stadiums and sporting events in the country.
According to him, this initiative will make event management more transparent, efficient, and secure.
Mr. Adams further disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of completing a new National Sports Policy, which for the first time will fully integrate recreation into Ghana’s national development agenda.
The policy, he said, is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2026.
Another key announcement was the creation of a School Sports Agency, which he described as a “critical structure to drive talent discovery, youth engagement, and athlete development from the ground up.”
He said the agency will serve as the foundation for grooming Ghana’s future champions.
Mr. Adams assured Parliament that the Ministry remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and accountable sports and recreation ecosystem that delivers value, opportunity, and national pride.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended the ongoing prosecution of former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, stressing that the case is backed by solid evidence and involves serious offences.
The office explained that Dr Abdul-Hamid, who is facing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra, is charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, using public office for profit, and money laundering.
It indicated that he and two NPA officials allegedly plotted to extort about GH¢291 million and US$332,000 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
The OSP said he is also accused of unlawfully receiving GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from oil transporters under the guise of performing official duties, and of using his position for personal gain.
According to the office, investigations showed that he possessed GH¢15.3 million, an amount far beyond his legitimate income and suspected to be proceeds of crime.
It revealed that assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000 have been seized and frozen, with additional properties still under tracing.
The OSP maintained that the prosecution is a major step toward protecting public funds and promoting accountability in the petroleum sector, adding that no public official is above the law.
The case continues on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
By: Jacob Aggrey
