Ghana is considering the introduction of mandatory health insurance for foreign visitors, but the Ghanian Ministry of Health highlighted that despite widespread media reports, the proposal was not yet policy.
It said: “The Ministry of Health would like to clarify that the recent announcement regarding a mandatory health insurance policy for non-Ghanaian resident visitors is a proposal from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and not a policy of government.
“While the proposal aims to ensure that foreign nationals have access to healthcare during their stay in Ghana, it is important to note that it has not yet been discussed or approved by cabinet.”
The clarification came after it had been widely reported that the policy was already in force.
“We urge the public to disregard any misinformation that may suggest that the policy has been finalised and its mode of implementation settled,“ it continued.
“We assure the public that any policy and its implementation shall be thoroughly scrutinised and taken through all necessary protocols to establish its benefits for the people of Ghana before being settled on.”
It had been reported in the Ghanian media that the proposed compulsory health insurance for visiting foreign nationals would cost between US$45 and US$270.