The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Savannah Region has embarked on a market storm float as part of its week-long celebrations to sensitize the public on the importance of the scheme. The event, which took place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Damongo, aimed to educate the public on the benefits of the NHIA and encourage more people to register or renew their membership.
The float, which started at the West Gonja Municipal office, saw participants taking to the principal streets of Damongo, sensitizing the public through music, dance, and the sharing of NHIA handbooks. The event brought together the general public, staff of the Central Gonja district, West Gonja District, Savannah regional staff, and representatives from the head office.
Speaking at the Damongo Saturday market, West Gonja Municipal Director, Abdul-Rahman Iddrisu Baluri, expressed gratitude to all who participated in the exercise, making it a success. He educated market women on the importance of the NHIA, saying, “As market women, you are more exposed to diseases due to the harsh weather conditions under which you trade. It is therefore imperative that you register with the NHIA to enjoy quality healthcare services.”
Baluri encouraged the market women to renew their membership frequently, saying, “We have made it easy for you to renew your cards. You can do it from the comfort of your homes using our self-service applications like the MyNHIS APP and *929# shortcode.”
Savannah Regional Director of Operations, Mahama Sakara, charged participants to be ambassadors of the NHIA, spreading the message and encouraging others to register or renew their membership. He said, “We want you to be our partners in this exercise. Share the information with your friends, family, and colleagues. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.”
Sakara highlighted the importance of the NHIA handbook, saying, “This handbook contains everything you need to know about the NHIA, including the list of medicines covered under the scheme. It is a vital tool in curbing irregularities in credential facilities. We urge you to go through it and report any illegal charges to our office.”
Speaking on behalf of Chief Executive, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, Lawyer Baba Sadique Zankawah, Ag. Director, Infrastructure, outlined the chief executive’s vision to fight illegal payments and implement Free Primary Healthcare, a policy of the current NDC government. He said, “Our chief executive is committed to ensuring that the NHIA scheme is accessible to all Ghanaians. We are working tirelessly to eliminate illegal payments and ensure that everyone enjoys quality healthcare services.”
Zankawah charged the public to resist illegal payments, saying, “If you are asked to pay for services that are covered under the scheme, challenge the hospital authorities and report to our office. We will hold them accountable and ensure that you get a refund.”
He added, “We are also working towards implementing the Free Primary Healthcare policy, which will make healthcare services even more accessible to Ghanaians. We urge you to support us in this endeavour and let’s work together to build a healthier nation.”
The event ended with a call on the public to support the NHIA in its quest to provide quality healthcare services to all Ghanaians.
