Uncapping Health Levy Boosts NHIS Revenue to Historic GH¢9.76bn. A “Game-Changer” for Healthcare

Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has seen its revenue soar to an unprecedented GH¢9.76 billion in 2025, following government’s move to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh described the policy as a turning point in Ghana’s healthcare financing. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on July 18.

“This additional funding is a game-changer, enabling the NHIS to expand coverage, enhance benefits, and strengthen Ghana’s progress towards achieving universal health coverage.” He noted.

The uncapping directive has boosted NHIA budgetary allocations by GH¢3.26 billion compared to 2024, when revenues stood at GH¢6.52 billion.

According to Mr. Akandoh, the windfall is being channelled into frontline services. Claims payments alone accounted for 65% of NHIA allocations in 2025, up from 56.2% in 2024, with plans to raise this further to 75% by 2026.

In a significant liquidity relief for the sector, all outstanding claims arrears totalling GH¢603 million as of December 2024 have been fully cleared. Additionally, over GH¢1.38 billion has already been disbursed to healthcare providers nationwide in the first half of 2025.

“This milestone demonstrates our government’s steadfast dedication to timely payments and fulfilling our obligations to healthcare providers,” Mr. Akandoh affirmed.

The funding surge is also driving higher enrolment under the NHIS, which now covers 15.67 million Ghanaians up by more than 670,000 compared to last year, reflecting rising public confidence and access.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, during his March budget presentation to Parliament, announced the NHIL uncapping alongside a GH¢9.93 billion health sector allocation covering claims payments, essential medicines, vaccines, free primary healthcare, and support for the MahamaCares medical trust initiative.

The policy forms part of wider public health reforms to rebuild trust in the NHIS and ensure its sustainability amid donor funding shortfalls and growing demands on Ghana’s healthcare system.

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