Accra, May 6, 2026 – The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a landmark nationwide campaign dubbed the STORM Initiative, offering Ghanaians free registration and renewal of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership, alongside immediate access to healthcare services.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, described the initiative as a historic step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Ghana.
According to him, the STORM Initiative, running from April 15 to May 31, 2026, waives all registration fees, renewal premiums, and the mandatory one-month waiting period, marking the first time in the scheme’s history that all three conditions have been removed simultaneously.
“This is a landmark moment in Ghana’s health sector,” Dr. Bampoe stated. “For the first time, Ghanaians can register or renew their NHIS membership free of charge and access healthcare services immediately.”
Under the initiative, NHIA officials have been mobilised nationwide to register and renew members directly within communities. Registration teams are actively visiting markets, lorry stations, schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, and rural communities to ensure no eligible Ghanaian is left behind.
The campaign aims to significantly increase active NHIS membership and eliminate barriers to healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
The STORM Initiative is closely aligned with the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme (FPHC), launched on April 15, 2026. The programme is currently being implemented in 150 underserved districts, with plans for nationwide coverage by 2028.
Under the FPHC, citizens can access essential services such as health screenings, maternal and child care, immunizations, treatment for common illnesses, and health education at no cost.
However, Dr. Bampoe emphasised that while primary healthcare services are free, an NHIS or Ghana Card is required for identification and proper documentation.
He further explained that the NHIS remains critical for accessing secondary and tertiary healthcare services, including referrals to district, regional, and teaching hospitals.
The NHIS also serves as the entry point to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, which covers treatment for non-communicable diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, stroke, and cardiovascular conditions.
“Without an active NHIS membership, patients risk paying out-of-pocket for advanced care, which can be financially devastating,” Dr. Bampoe cautioned.
While encouraging citizens to take advantage of the free window, the NHIA CEO stressed the importance of maintaining active membership beyond the campaign period.
“After May 31, fees will be reinstated and the waiting period will return. We urge all beneficiaries to commit to regular renewals to ensure continuous protection,” he said.
Renewals can be done via mobile shortcode (*929#), the MyNHIS mobile application, or at NHIS district offices nationwide.
Dr. Bampoe called on media organisations and stakeholders to support the campaign by raising awareness and encouraging participation.
“The message is simple: register, renew, and stay protected. This opportunity could save lives,” he said.
The STORM Initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating Ghana’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
