The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development – Ghana (VAST-Ghana), an advocacy group focused on sustainable development, has issued a compelling call to the Ghanaian government to address the financial strain on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Their primary recommendation centers on uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), a move they argue would significantly bolster the NHIS’s funding and alleviate the burden of healthcare costs on patients, particularly those suffering from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). VAST-Ghana contends that the current capping law, officially known as the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act (Act 947), restricts the NHIS from receiving its full allocation of the NHIL, thereby hindering its operational efficiency. They point out that less than 60% of the NHIS budget is currently allocated to claim payments, forcing patients to bear substantial out-of-pocket expenses for medications, diagnostics, and long-term treatment. Uncapping the NHIL, they argue, is a crucial step towards ensuring the financial viability of the NHIS and improving access to affordable healthcare.
Beyond the uncapping of the NHIL, VAST-Ghana has put forth a series of additional recommendations for the government’s consideration in the 2025 budget. Addressing the burgeoning issue of sports betting, particularly among young people, is a key area of focus. The organization highlights the link between betting addiction and the rise in mental health disorders, financial ruin, and social instability, emphasizing the consequent increase in NCDs like cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. VAST-Ghana urges the government to review and potentially restructure the betting tax, suggesting that increased revenue from this source could be channeled towards mitigating the negative societal and health impacts of excessive betting. This comprehensive approach, they believe, would address both the financial and public health implications of this growing concern.
Another significant area addressed by VAST-Ghana is the taxation of unhealthy products. The organization commends the government’s 2023 introduction of excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) under the Excise Duty Amendment Act (Act 1108). However, they emphasize the importance of regular review and adjustment of these taxes to keep pace with inflation. Failure to do so, they argue, undermines the effectiveness of the taxes, both in terms of revenue generation and in discouraging the consumption of these harmful products. VAST-Ghana cites data from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), demonstrating the positive impact of excise taxes on revenue, with a significant increase recorded following the implementation of the new tax in April 2023. They advocate for earmarking a portion of this revenue to specifically support health interventions, particularly those targeting NCDs and health promotion initiatives.
VAST-Ghana’s recommendations extend beyond revenue generation to encompass the strategic allocation of existing funds. They propose repurposing the COVID-19 fund to support NCD treatment and bolster the proposed Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCare), an initiative championed by former President John Dramani Mahama, specifically designed to finance NCD care. The organization underscores the global and national burden of NCDs, citing statistics that attribute 41 million annual deaths globally and 45% of annual deaths in Ghana to these diseases. By redirecting resources from the COVID-19 fund, they argue, the government can address the pressing and ongoing challenge of NCDs. This strategic reallocation of funds, they believe, would represent a significant investment in the long-term health and well-being of Ghanaians.
VAST-Ghana’s advocacy for increased funding and strategic resource allocation for the NHIS reflects a deep concern for the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in Ghana. Their emphasis on addressing the root causes of NCDs, from unhealthy product consumption to the societal impact of betting addiction, demonstrates a holistic approach to public health. They believe that by tackling these issues head-on, the government can improve the overall health outcomes of the population and reduce the financial strain on both individuals and the healthcare system. The organization’s call for the uncapping of the NHIL, coupled with their recommendations for increased taxation on unhealthy products and the strategic reallocation of existing funds, presents a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the NHIS and improving healthcare access for all Ghanaians.
The organization’s proactive engagement with the government on these critical issues underscores the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations and policymakers in shaping effective health policies. VAST-Ghana’s comprehensive recommendations offer a roadmap for strengthening the NHIS and addressing the growing burden of NCDs, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for Ghana. By advocating for sustainable funding mechanisms, promoting healthier lifestyles, and prioritizing preventative healthcare, VAST-Ghana is playing a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in the country. Their focus on evidence-based solutions and strategic resource allocation highlights their commitment to achieving meaningful and lasting improvements in public health.
