News
New NHIA board sworn in
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has sworn in the new Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Inaugurated in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the board is expected to play a critical role in steering the NHIA towards greater efficiency, financial sustainability, and equitable healthcare coverage for all residents in Ghana.
The 17-member board is chaired by Lawrence Nii Okantey Adjetey.
The members include Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu from the Ministry of Finance, and Francisca Atuluk from the Department of Social Welfare.
Other members are Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea representing the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Abiba Zakariah from the National Insurance Commission, and Dr. Bernardette Naa Hoffman from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
It also includes Dr. Sadat Bawa representing the medical and dental profession, Dr. David Tetteh for the pharmacy profession, and Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, MP, representing the accountancy or finance profession.
Legal expertise will be provided by Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala.
Dr. Anne Sansa Daly and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP, also serve on the board.
Organized labor is represented by Dr. Ken Kwaku Tweneboah Koduah, while the NHIA is represented by its Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe.
The National Health Insurance Scheme is also represented by Pious Kwame Nkuah, MP, and Daniella Mavis Abena Mathias.
Speaking at the event, Mr.Akandoh emphasised the crucial role of the board in advancing Ghana’s healthcare system, describing their appointment as both an honour and a call to national service. He urged the members to demonstrate unwavering commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“It is important to remember that the job as a board or council member requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication,” he stated. “Your appointment is not only a recognition of your expertise and leadership but also a call to national service at a time when Ghana’s health sector must rise to meet both urgent national needs and emerging global health dynamics.” He added.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the NHIA, highlighting recent reforms, including the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund and the prompt release of funds to ensure smooth operations.
He charged the board to align the NHIS benefit package with government priorities such as the Free Primary Healthcare policy.
Chairperson of the newly sworn-in board, Mr. Lawrence Nii Okantey Adjetey, expressed gratitude to the President for the appointment and pledged to uphold the mandate entrusted to them.
“With the support of everyone, we shall deliver in accordance with the matching orders of the President and Minister,” he assured. “It is a special privilege to chair the NHIA Board, and we are committed to ensuring efficient and sustainable health delivery through sound funding mechanisms.” He added.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
