Akufo-Addo petitioned over the appointment of Louisa Atta-Agyemang as Deputy CEO of NHIA [Full Document]
Louisa Atta-Agyemang
Dr. Emmanuel Apori Obeng has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the appointment of Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, the Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Dr. Obeng, a Health Insurance Sustainability Advocate and Technical Advisor to the NHIA, has raised concerns about the appointment and its potential implications.
Dr. Obeng’s has based his appeal on several key points, the first being the violation of an established convention regarding the appointment to the position of Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) at the NHIA.
According to Dr. Obeng, this position has traditionally been filled by directors with over five years of experience within the NHIA’s Operations Division.
The departure of the previous Deputy Chief Executive (Operations), Mrs. Vivian Addo-Cobbiah, who held the position while acting as a director, further highlights the importance of adhering to this convention.
Another point raised by Dr. Obeng is the suitability of the appointee. He argues that the strategic role of the Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) requires an individual with substantial experience in the health or social health insurance sector.
Dr. Obeng expresses concern over the lack of information available about Mrs. Atta-Agyemang’s educational background and work experience, leading to rumors that she is currently employed in a different sector altogether.
READ MORE: President Akufo-Addo explains why he has not reshuffled his ministers
Dr. Obeng believes that appointing someone without the necessary qualifications would undermine the significance of the position and raise doubts about the competency of NHIA’s leadership.
Dr. Obeng also criticizes the overpoliticization of the NHIA, claiming that political affiliations frequently outweigh qualifications and experience when it comes to appointments and career progression within the organization.
He argues that such practices lead to unsustainable administrative overheads and the misallocation of personnel.
Dr. Obeng emphasizes the need to prioritize merit and competence over political considerations to ensure the financial and administrative stability of the NHIA.
Dr. Obeng highlights the role of the NHIA’s Governing Board and the Public Services Commission in the appointment process.
He suggests that the appointee should have undergone a thorough interview process and met the minimum requirements for the position before assuming the role.
He also, raise concerns about the potential challenges faced by the NHIA’s Executive Management in 2024. With the CEO and the Deputy Chief Executive (Administration and Human Resource) eyeing political positions, Dr. Obeng argues that an experienced director from within the NHIA would be best suited to handle the affairs of the Operations Division during the upcoming election year.
Dr. Emmanuel Apori Obeng urges the authorities to reconsider the appointment of Mrs. Louisa Atta-Agyemang as the Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of the NHIA. He calls for a careful and inclusive appointment process that prioritizes qualifications, experience, and stakeholder consultation.
Dr. Obeng stresses the importance of avoiding politically motivated appointments and ensuring that only individuals with the necessary expertise are entrusted with critical positions within the NHIA
READ THE FULL PETITION BELOW
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
