Ministry of Health opens up on swearing Anne Sansa Daly onto NHIA board
The Ministry of Health has cleared the air over recent media reports claiming that Ms. Anne Sansa Daly had been sworn in as a member of the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). According to the ministry, those reports are false and misleading, as Ms. Daly’s appointment was officially revoked before any swearing-in took place.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the ministry explained the sequence of events leading to the confusion and made it clear that Anne Sansa Daly is no longer part of the NHIA Board.
“The Ministry of Health has taken note of a publication on Graphic Online regarding the appointment and swearing-in of Ms. Anne Sansa Daly,” the statement began.
“The Ministry wishes to categorically deny the allegations contained in the said publication and to present the facts as follows.”
Read the full statement below:
Timeline of Events: What Actually Happened?
The ministry provided a breakdown of what transpired:
On May 19, 2025, an official letter of appointment was issued by the government, including the name of Ms. Anne Sansa Daly as part of a new set of board members for the NHIA.
However, four days later, on May 23, 2025, a second letter from the appropriate authority was issued, revoking her appointment. This revocation, the Ministry stressed, came before any formal swearing-in ceremony involving Ms. Daly.
“Subsequently, a letter dated May 23, 2025, was issued by the appropriate authority. This second letter revoked her appointment and appointed her replacement,” the statement clarified.
The Ministry also emphasized that it is committed to transparency and due process in all matters related to public service appointments.
Why Was Her Appointment Revoked?
Shortly after news of her appointment was made public, questions began to surface about Ms. Daly’s qualifications, especially regarding her eligibility to practice medicine in Ghana.
According to credible sources, Ms. Daly does not possess a valid medical license to practise within the country—a critical requirement for serving on the National Health Insurance Authority Board, which oversees key policy decisions concerning healthcare services.
This concern quickly reached the Office of the President, prompting swift action.
President Mahama Revokes Daly’s Appointment
In a separate letter from the Office of the President also dated May 28, 2025, the government confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama had officially revoked Ms. Daly’s appointment. The letter further announced that a new nominee, Professor Dr (Med) Ernest Yorke, would replace her on the NHIA Board with immediate effect.
Dr. Ernest Yorke is a seasoned medical practitioner with many years of experience in clinical medicine, public health policy, and medical education. His appointment has been welcomed by several stakeholders in the health sector, who view it as a step in the right direction given the NHIA’s crucial role in ensuring access to quality healthcare through insurance.
Media Misreporting: What Went Wrong?
The controversy was triggered when Graphic Online, one of Ghana’s leading news platforms, published a story stating that Ms. Anne Sansa Daly had been sworn in alongside other newly appointed board members. That publication, however, failed to reflect the May 23 revocation letter, which had already nullified her appointment.
This led to widespread public reaction, with some people expressing outrage that someone with no valid practising licence could be appointed to such a sensitive position.
The Ministry’s statement aims to correct that public narrative and avoid any further damage to public trust in the process of national appointments.
Public Reactions: Mixed Feelings Across the Country
The story has sparked conversation across social media, health policy circles, and political groups. Many Ghanaians were puzzled by how such an oversight could occur in the first place.
Here are a few sentiments gathered online and from public interviews:
“How did she get on the list without a licence? Who vetted these names?”
“At least the mistake was corrected quickly. That shows some seriousness from the government.”
“We want competence on these boards, not just political loyalty. Ghana deserves better!”
While some people were critical, others gave credit to the President and the Ministry of Health for taking prompt corrective action once the issue came to light.
Who Is Professor Dr (Med) Ernest Yorke?
The man replacing Ms. Daly, Prof. Dr Ernest Yorke, is well known in Ghana’s medical community. He has served in various leadership roles, including:
Head of Department at a major teaching hospital
Former President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA)
Senior lecturer and policy advisor on public health financing
His appointment to the NHIA Board has been praised by health workers and insurance stakeholders, many of whom believe his knowledge and track record will bring much-needed professionalism and vision to the Authority.
One senior doctor who spoke to us on condition of anonymity said:
“Dr Yorke is the right man for the job. He understands both the clinical and administrative side of healthcare. This is a good call by the President.”
The Bigger Picture: The Importance of Due Diligence
This situation also raises important questions about how appointments to key national boards are made. Many Ghanaians are calling for more thorough background checks before public announcements are made.
While the Ministry of Health has committed to due process and transparency, some citizens say it is time for structural reforms to ensure that only qualified and properly vetted individuals are shortlisted for national roles, especially in sensitive sectors like health, education, and finance.
One civil society advocate remarked:
“This was a near miss. Imagine if the revocation hadn’t come quickly—we would have had someone unqualified helping to decide national health policy. We need stronger systems.”
Ministry’s Final Word: Transparency and Accountability
In its statement, the Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to:
Upholding integrity in public appointments
Ensuring that all board members meet the legal and professional requirements for their roles
Respecting the authority of the President and the Constitution in all such matters
It concluded by encouraging the media to always seek accurate and updated information from official sources before publishing stories that could cause public confusion or misperception.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Good Governance
The Anne Sansa Daly situation is a reminder that good governance depends not only on laws but on vigilance. Even when mistakes happen, how swiftly and transparently they are addressed matters greatly.
Ghanaians deserve to know that competence, not connections, is what drives public appointments. The revocation of Daly’s appointment and the swift installation of Prof. Dr Ernest Yorke appear to signal that this government, at least in this case, is listening and acting accordingly.
As the NHIA Board gets to work under new leadership, all eyes will be on whether this team can help address key issues in Ghana’s health insurance system, such as delays in claims, sustainability of funding, and access to care.