The Minority caucus in Parliament has called on Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to apologize to Ghanaians for the government’s failure to fulfill its campaign promise to uncap funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The demand comes amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of NHIS finances and its inability to deliver on a key electoral pledge.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, March 4, Dr. Ayew Afriye, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to uphold its commitment to remove the cap on NHIS funding. He argued that the previous administration’s restrictions on NHIS funds had severely impacted the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the current government’s failure to reverse this policy has only worsened the situation.
Dr. Afriye criticized the Finance Minister’s recent remarks at the National Economic Dialogue, where Dr. Forson cited financial shortfalls and alleged mismanagement within the NHIA as reasons for maintaining the cap. According to Dr. Afriye, these claims are merely excuses to justify the government’s inability to deliver on its promise.
“The NDC made the whole country believe that the NPP’s practice of capping NHIS funds was detrimental. They campaigned on the promise that all revenues would be made available to the NHIA. Now, in office, the Finance Minister finds it difficult to uncap the funds, so he claims there is misuse and a shortfall. That is not true,” Dr. Afriye asserted.
Dr. Afriye emphasized that NHIS funds are statutory allocations approved by Parliament through a collaborative effort between the Majority and Minority caucuses. He questioned why allegations of mismanagement are only surfacing now, under the current administration.
“We have approved NHIS budgets in this Parliament for years without raising concerns about misuse. Why is it now an issue simply because he is the Finance Minister? He should admit that they cannot uncap the funds and apologize to Ghanaians,” he added.
The Minority caucus has made it clear that it expects the government’s upcoming budget to allocate the full amount received in the health fund to the NHIA. Dr. Afriye warned that any deviation from this expectation would be unacceptable and further erode public trust in the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
“The NHIS is a critical lifeline for millions of Ghanaians, and any attempt to shortchange it will have dire consequences. The government must prioritize the health of its citizens and ensure that the NHIS receives the full funding it deserves,” he stated.
NAYA
