Accra, June 15, GNA - Mr Sylvester Mensah, former MP for La Dadekotopon, has been appointed the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). He takes over from Mr Ras Boateng, who until now headed the Insurance Authority.

Mr Mensah's major task will be to bring to fruition government's promise of a one-time payment of premium. The Health Insurance Scheme as it stands now undertakes yearly membership renewal where premium is paid annually. Mr Mensah is a finance professional, strategic management expert and until now the head of Public Sector Banking of the Intercontinental Bank.

He also lectures at the Central University Business School and holds an MBA from the University of Leicester, UK. The 17-Member National Health Insurance Authority Board, which was inaugurated on Monday, has the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Doe Adjaho, as Chairman.

Members of the board include, Dr. Steven Ahiawordor, government appointee, Dr. Mercy Bannerman, government appointee, Mrs. Nyameke Kyiamah of the National Insurance Commission, Mr Samuel Akwei, Ghana Bar Association, Dr J.K. Kwakye-Maafo of the Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners and Kofi Asamoah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress. Other members are Mr Obed Okudzeto of the Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs Edith Haizel and Dr Stephen Ayidia representing Consumers, Mr Benjamin Kumbour, Deputy Minister of Health representing the Ministry, Dr Elias Sory for Ghana Health Service and Mrs Czarina Ribeiro representing Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. 15 June 09