The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced a partnership to register children under the age of 15, starting June 10, 2024.

This collaboration aims to issue Ghana cards to young individuals, enhancing their access to healthcare services and providing official identification.

The joint registration drive will set up centres in schools across the country to streamline the process.

This initiative was announced in a statement issued by the NHIA on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, is geared towards expanding healthcare coverage and national identification for the nation’s youth.

By issuing Ghana cards at an early age, the initiative intends to improve access to essential healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and facilitate participation in various socio-economic activities that require official identification.

“The collaborative efforts between the two government agencies underscore Ghana’s commitment to streamlining administrative processes and broadening the reach of social services,” the statement noted.

It continued that: “The agenda behind this joint registration drive contributes to a more inclusive society by emphasising the vital role of healthcare access and identity recognition for the Ghanaian youth.”

During a second phase training session in Winneba for staff from the middle and northern belts of the NHIA, representatives from both agencies highlighted the importance of universal healthcare coverage and ensuring every child’s access to fundamental services.

Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations at NHIA, Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, emphasised: “This partnership is crucial in expanding healthcare access and building a more inclusive and empowered community.”

NIA Executive Secretary Dr. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah on his part, added: “The Ghana card serves as a key tool for identity verification and access to public services, particularly for children aged 6 to 14 years.”