President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

He takes over from Dr. Da Costa Aboagye, who was appointed in February 2024.

Dr. Bampoe, a distinguished physician and public health specialist, brings a wealth of experience in health policy, financing, and administration at both national and international levels.

A former Achimota School student, he earned his medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School before pursuing a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in the United States.

His career spans several prestigious institutions, including his role as Senior Fund Portfolio Manager at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Geneva, Switzerland.

He also served as Deputy Minister of Health under the Mahama administration (2014–2016), where he played a key role in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare policies and access to essential services.

Additionally, Dr. Bampoe worked with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), where he represented countries like Nigeria and Kenya, serving as UNAIDS Country Director and Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat before returning to Ghana for this new role.

During a brief engagement with NHIA management and staff, Dr. Bampoe reaffirmed his commitment to universal health coverage, healthcare financing, and strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)—priorities outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 health manifesto.

"There is an urgent need to uncap the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy to enhance healthcare access and quality of service delivery for all," he stated, calling on NHIA staff to work collectively toward this vision.

With his expertise in public health financing, Dr. Bampoe is expected to spearhead policies that expand NHIS coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to healthcare.

Dr. Bampoe’s appointment comes at a critical time, as global funding cuts pose challenges to essential health programmes, including HIV prevention and maternal health services.

Acknowledging these concerns, he stressed the need for innovative financing strategies to maximize available resources and sustain key health initiatives.

He also expressed gratitude to Dr. Da Costa Aboagye for his contributions before embarking on a brief tour of the NHIA headquarters.