NHIA builds capacity of Greater Accra and Volta Regional Staff
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has organised a two-day capacity-building training programme for District Managers and Public Relations Officers (PROs) from the Greater Accra and Volta Regions to strengthen their communication skills and enhance their effectiveness in engaging the public. The training, held under the theme “Strategic Communication and Media Relations,” focused on equipping participants with essential skills in public speaking, media engagement, stakeholder relations, and effective communication to improve their performance as frontline representatives of the Authority at the grassroots level.
Enhancing Communication Competencies
Speaking at the programme, the Head of Corporate Communications at NHIA, Ms Faustina Dery, said the initiative was designed to enhance participants’ communication competencies and equip them with the necessary tools to perform their duties more effectively. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in their respective offices to improve service delivery, strengthen public engagement, and contribute to the achievement of the Authority’s communication objectives.
Ms Dery emphasised the importance of effective communication in ensuring that the public receives accurate and timely information about the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Training Supports NHIA’s Capacity Development Agenda
The Deputy Director in charge of Training and Development, Mr Dickson Nuku Dansu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management of the NHIA for supporting the initiative. He explained that the training aligned with the three-point vision of the Chief Executive of the Authority, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, which places emphasis on staff welfare and continuous capacity development. According to Mr Dansu, the Authority had previously organised similar training programmes for drivers and administrative assistants as part of its commitment to developing the skills and competencies of staff across different categories.
He noted that extending the initiative to District Managers and PROs demonstrated the Authority’s continued commitment to strengthening staff capacity and improving institutional performance. Mr Dansu urged participants to share the knowledge and practical skills acquired with their colleagues upon returning to their respective offices to ensure that the benefits of the training extended beyond those directly involved in the programme.
Effective Communication Key to Building Public Trust
In her welcome address, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the NHIA, Ms Marguerita Taylor-Plange, highlighted the importance of effective communication in building public trust, promoting transparency, and strengthening confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme. She observed that District Managers and PROs serve as a vital link between the Authority and the public, making their communication skills essential to shaping the image and reputation of the NHIA.
Ms Taylor-Plange stressed that the way staff communicate with stakeholders and respond to public concerns can influence how the Authority is perceived by the communities it serves. She therefore encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunity to sharpen their communication skills and strengthen their ability to support the Authority’s mandate.
Strengthening Grassroots Engagement
The two-day programme sought to equip participants with practical communication strategies to improve their engagement with the media, stakeholders, and members of the public. By strengthening the capacity of District Managers and PROs, the NHIA aims to enhance the consistency and effectiveness of its communication at the regional and district levels.
The training also provided an opportunity for participants to develop skills that could support clearer public messaging, more effective stakeholder engagement, and improved representation of the Authority in their respective communities.
3E Quantum Partners Ghana Ltd Facilitates Training
The programme was facilitated by 3E Quantum Partners Ghana Ltd, a firm specialising in human capacity development, corporate training, and institutional capacity building. The initiative forms part of the NHIA’s broader efforts to invest in staff development and equip employees with the skills needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Through such programmes, the Authority continues to emphasise the importance of building a competent workforce capable of communicating its policies, programmes, and services clearly while strengthening public confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Source: Sylvaline Logo
Photo Credit: Valentine Sena Agbenu
