Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tema Central Constituency have closed down a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) office in the area, expressing deep frustration over what they describe as poor service delivery and delays affecting constituents.
The action, which took place on Wednesday, saw party leaders and supporters block the entrance of the NHIS office, preventing staff from carrying out normal operations. The protest was peaceful but firm, with demonstrators holding placards and chanting slogans urging improvements to how services are provided.
Why They Protested
According to the NDC executives, residents of Tema Central have faced long delays, slow processing times, and frequent breakdowns in service delivery at the NHIS office, leaving many unable to renew their insurance, access care quickly, or receive proper support.
The executives argued that ordinary citizens — including the elderly and people with medical needs — have been forced to wait for hours or make repeated visits without resolution. They said these service problems have caused unnecessary hardship and frustration in the community.
Statements from Protest Leaders
Speaking to journalists outside the NHIS office, the NDC leaders emphasised that the closure was a last-resort protest action aimed at compelling authorities to address ongoing challenges.
One NDC executive said, “Our constituents deserve better. They pay their contributions to NHIS, and yet they are met with inefficiency and delays. We cannot stand by while our people suffer.”
They urged the NHIS management and relevant government officials to intervene promptly, improve staffing and workflow systems, and ensure that residents of Tema Central receive timely and effective healthcare insurance services.
Impact on the Public
For local residents, the temporary closure meant disrupted access to NHIS services such as registration, renewal of policies, and claims processing. Some individuals caught up in the protest said they supported the action because they have struggled for months to complete simple transactions at the office.
A community member who asked not to be named said, “We’ve been waiting for hours in lines that barely move. Today’s protest shows that people are fed up and want solutions, not excuses.”
What NHIS and Authorities Say
At the time of reporting, officials from the NHIS regional office had not issued a detailed public response to the protest. However, some representatives indicated they were aware of the concerns and were working on plans to improve staffing levels and reduce delays.
Government observers and local leaders have called for calm and constructive dialogue, urging both the NHIS management and the NDC executives to meet and discuss solutions that improve service delivery without disrupting access for residents.
Looking Ahead
As healthcare insurance remains a critical public service, stakeholders say reforms and better communication are needed to prevent future protests and ensure that constituents’ needs are met effectively.
Residents and political leaders alike will be watching closely to see if the NHIS addresses the raised issues and implements improvements that give the people of Tema Central faster, fairer, and more efficient services.
