The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commenced a five-day intensive training workshop in Tutu for staff from its Greater Accra Regional Office, the Accra Claims Processing Centre (CPC), and all district offices within the region.

The programme aims to familiarise participants with the updated NHIA Financial Manual, which has been revised to promote greater transparency, efficiency, and uniformity in financial management practices across the Authority.

Opening the session, the Deputy Chief Executive for Finance and Investment, Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri, described the new manual as “more than just a document”, stressing that it serves as the Authority’s “financial compass.”

“It is designed to guide every transaction, every approval, and every report we generate,” she said.

“This workshop offers us the opportunity to understand not only the contents of the manual but also the intent behind its provisions.

Financial discipline is the backbone of a sustainable NHIS.”

In his welcome address, Mr. Osman Iddrisu Banpuori, Greater Accra Regional Operations Manager, highlighted the direct link between sound financial management and the National Health Insurance Scheme’s mission to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.

“This training will strengthen our understanding and application of the new Financial Manual.

It ensures transparency, accountability, and consistency across all NHIS offices,” he stated.

Mr. Richard Agyeman-Badu,  Director of Budget and Management Accounting, encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues across various district offices.

“The training doesn’t end here. We expect regional and district leaders to replicate it in their respective offices to ensure full compliance,” he urged.

On her part, Madam Oforiwaa Portuphy, Deputy Director at the Accra CPC, called on staff to embrace the changes with an open mind.

“We must learn, unlearn, and adopt the best practices being introduced.

That is how we improve collectively,” she said.

Delivering the first technical presentation, Mr. Isaac Bright Hurson, Senior Manager for Claims, provided a historical overview of the Financial Manual, first introduced in 2008 to standardise bookkeeping and reporting across NHIA offices.

He underscored the importance of accuracy, timeliness, and reliability in financial reporting, emphasising adherence to ethical and professional standards.

In a follow-up session, Mr. Isaac Nyarko Appiah, Financial Reporting Manager, discussed the need for consistency in preparing and presenting financial reports, noting that accounting policies are the foundation of credible financial statements.