The Politics of Public Policy and Problems of Implementation in Africa: An Appraisal of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme in Ga East District
Braimah Awaisu Imurana, Rufai Kilu Haruna, Annin-Bonsu Nana Kofi

Abstract
This paper explores the politics inherent in public policy making in Africa with particular reference to Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme. A quantitative study that used a questionnaire and data collected was analyzed using simple statistical tools. The study revealed that affordability is a problem to some people; others complained the treatment they receive does not merit the premium they pay. Discrimination between NHIS card holders and non – card holders also militates against the quality of service. Also, health education on the NHIS seems to have reached a large portion of the population, the only problem is ignorance of the health cases it covers and those it does not as well as the drugs it fails to provide. Further, the study reveals delay in issuance of cards still persists and limits the effectiveness of the scheme. The study again reveals the relevance, but over ambitiousness of the NHIS due to its comprehensive and universal nature in a growing and developing country like Ghana. The study therefore recommends that, the government, private entities and the entire citizens of Ghana join hands in bipartisan agreement, weed out corruption, ensure meritocracy in employment, strengthen institutions and develop positive ownership of public policies to lift the NHIS and other policies to a level of effective and efficient performance for all to gain maximum benefit.

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