The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, has vehemently denied allegations made by the Day Break newspaper that he has abandoned his position to embark on unnecessary international travels.
In a strongly worded response, Dr. Aboagye emphasized that all his travels are strictly in line with official protocols and aimed at attracting investment to Ghana’s health sector. He highlighted the NHIA’s innovative “Preventive Promotive Approach” to combat noncommunicable diseases, which has garnered international attention.
Dr. Aboagye clarified that his role as CEO requires strict adherence to due process, contradicting claims that he travels without authorization. He stated, “As CEO, I cannot just wake up and say that I’m going somewhere; you have to follow due process… I’m attracting international investment into the country by the presentations I’m doing.”
Additionally, Dr. Aboagye’s position as Chair of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Board for Disease Control necessitates his international engagement, particularly during the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. He stressed, “My work actually transcends over borders… there is monkeypox outbreak, so I cannot abandon my work.”
Dr. Aboagye’s response comes after the Day Break newspaper alleged that his frequent absences were hindering critical management decisions in the health sector. However, the NHIA CEO has reassured the public of his commitment to his duties and the significant progress being made in the health sector under his leadership.