Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, has expressed concerns that the government’s plan for health insurance funding may collapse the scheme, ultimately harming the poor it aims to help.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate in Parliament, Acquah questioned the reduction in health insurance funding to GH¢8 billion, noting a shortfall of GH¢2.5 billion. He also asked how private primary healthcare projects would be affected.
He said a lot of people are wondering whether it is the government’s intention to collapse the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) just to ensure the ‘Mahamacare’ survives.
He criticised the government’s free primary healthcare programme, stating it would demotivate people from renewing their health insurance, ultimately harming the poor who rely on it.
Mr Acquah also expressed scepticism about the government’s plan to construct six new regional hospitals, saying the wording sounded like a delay tactic, and asked which regions would benefit from the project.
He referenced the government’s Women Banking initiative, saying it had received inadequate funding in the previous budget, and questioned the effectiveness of the current allocation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
