Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is drawing investor attention to Ghana’s health sector, citing structural reforms and rising demand linked to the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
According to Bampoe, initiatives such as digital service platforms, biometric membership systems, and expanded Free Primary Health Care are creating a “platform…to do many things” in pharmaceuticals and service delivery, positioning the sector as a strategic avenue for private participation.
Speaking in an interview with the United Kingdom-based The Economist in Accra, Bampoe spotlighted the importance of a resilient healthcare system to support the broader policy objective of driving industrial growth, boosting exports, and creating jobs. He pointed to the pharmaceutical value chain as a strategic entry point for investors, describing it as an area with “significant opportunities” for scale and innovation.
He noted that ongoing efforts to expand Free Primary Health Care and improve operational efficiency within the NHIA are creating a “platform…to do many things” in pharmaceutical production and service delivery, while encouraging partnerships that can “give Ghanaians a better kind of healthcare.”
Bampoe acknowledged potential pressure on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as utilisation rises, but maintained that systems have been introduced to enhance efficiency and sustainability. These include the Biometric Membership Authentication System (BMAS) and the One Time Attendance Code (OTAC), both aimed at “reducing fraud,” strengthening access controls, and improving data quality for planning.
He further highlighted the rollout of the Electronic Health Services Application (NeHSA), a digital platform designed to facilitate remote access to healthcare services. The system, currently piloted in over 500 facilities, is expected to be scaled nationwide to connect public health institutions and ensure “equitable access” regardless of geographic location.
According to him, these digital interventions form part of broader reforms to make the Scheme “more efficient and financially sustainable.” He disclosed that NHIS coverage has expanded from 58 percent to 66 percent within the past year, translating into more than 22 million active members.
He expressed confidence that the planned Free Primary Healthcare policy will further “ease the financial burden” on citizens while expanding access to essential services, reinforcing the health sector’s role in supporting Ghana’s evolving economic framework.
