In a swift and decisive move, President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointment of Dr. Anne Sansa Daly from the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), following public outcry and professional scrutiny over her medical credentials.
The revocation, confirmed by the Office of the President on May 28, 2025, comes less than a month after Dr. Daly’s controversial nomination to the governing body of the NHIA, a key institution charged with the implementation of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
While the official communication from the presidency did not specify reasons for the decision, multiple sources within the health sector point to concerns surrounding Dr. Daly’s professional qualifications, particularly the validity of her medical license in Ghana.
Soon after her appointment, professional bodies and social media commentators began raising red flags regarding Dr. Daly’s eligibility to serve on the NHIA Board. Allegations surfaced that she was not a licensed medical practitioner in Ghana, contrary to the expectations for such a high-profile role within the health administration.
Critics, including medical professionals and civic advocates, questioned how her name passed through the vetting process, raising broader concerns about the thoroughness of public appointments.
Adding to the confusion, reports emerged suggesting that Dr. Daly had already been sworn in. However, the Ministry of Health swiftly denied this claim in a public statement, clarifying that no such induction ceremony had taken place.
In light of the growing controversy, President Mahama acted quickly to revoke Dr. Daly’s appointment. A letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, conveyed the decision and signaled the administration’s intent to maintain public trust in national health institutions.
To fill the now-vacant position, the President has nominated Professor Dr. (Med) Ernest Yorke, a seasoned medical practitioner and former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA). His nomination has been widely praised by stakeholders in the health sector as a step toward restoring credibility and professionalism to the NHIA Board.
The episode has provoked sharp commentary from thought leaders, including Ben Dotsei Malor, former BBC editor and presidential advisor, who took to social media to applaud the President’s action while calling for a full investigation into Dr. Daly’s academic and professional claims.
“Beyond the revocation, it is imperative that we ascertain the authenticity of her credentials,” Malor wrote. “If any deliberate misrepresentation occurred, appropriate consequences must follow, not only to protect the sanctity of our public institutions but also to serve as a deterrent.”
Others echoed his sentiments, calling for reforms to strengthen the vetting process for appointments to boards and public offices.
The Ghana Medical Association has also weighed in, stressing the need for diligence in the appointment of individuals to bodies that oversee national health policy and delivery. The Association noted that such controversies undermine public confidence in institutions meant to serve the health needs of the people.
The NHIA Board oversees one of the most critical components of Ghana’s healthcare system, with decisions that affect access, funding, and the future of universal health coverage in the country. The fallout from Dr. Daly’s appointment and its subsequent revocation has cast a spotlight on governance standards and due diligence in executive appointments.
Political observers note that the incident may serve as a precedent for how future appointments are handled, especially within sectors where public safety and professional competence are paramount.
The revocation of Dr. Anne Sansa Daly’s appointment is not merely an administrative correction, it is a cautionary tale about the need for transparency, competence, and public accountability. As Professor Yorke prepares to take up his new role on the NHIA Board, the expectation is that the Authority will refocus its energies on strengthening Ghana’s health insurance system and delivering on its mandate to the Ghanaian people.