In a major health intervention aimed at improving access to healthcare in Obuasi East, over 3,000 residents have received free registration under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thanks to the benevolence of Mr. Eugene Kofi Amankwaa, a philanthropist, businessman, and politician.
Mr. Amankwaa, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Eugenmat Group of Companies, personally sponsored the mass registration exercise, covering both Obuasi East and its surrounding communities. His decision, he explained, was born out of the frequent requests he receives from residents seeking financial assistance for medical treatment.
“Many people often reach out to me with health-related financial challenges,” he noted. “Instead of waiting to support them when they are already in distress, I thought it wise to provide proactive and sustainable support by covering their NHIS registration.”
He emphasized that the initiative was not politically motivated, stating clearly that his commitment to philanthropy predates his political journey.
“I didn’t do this to gain attention or for political gains. Supporting people from different walks of life has always been a part of my life’s work,” he added.
The Obuasi East Municipal Manager of NHIS commended Mr. Amankwaa for the gesture, describing it as a significant contribution to public health in the area.
“This initiative is timely and impactful. It will reduce the financial burden on families and enhance access to quality healthcare,” the NHIS Manager remarked. He also encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to emulate the example to strengthen healthcare delivery in the municipality.
The free registration drive is expected to drastically reduce out-of-pocket payments for healthcare in Obuasi East and serve as a model for other districts.
In addition to healthcare support, Mr. Amankwaa is also enabling academic excellence through the Eugenemat Travel Consult Scholarship, launched in 2024. The program awards two full scholarships annually, each valued at $30,000, to brilliant but needy students between the ages of 19 and 24, to pursue studies in Canada.
One of this year’s beneficiaries is Beatrice Frimpong, a graduate of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi, who has secured admission to study Mining Engineering at the University of Alberta, Canada. The scholarship covers her birth certificate, passport, visa, airfare, tuition fees, and living stipend.
Mr. Amankwaa, recounting his own challenges in accessing tertiary education, revealed that he was once helped by Alexander Ackon, a former Ashanti Regional Minister. Now that his business is thriving, he sees it as a duty to extend similar support to others in need.
Whether through education or health, Eugene Kofi Amankwaa is committed to long-term, impactful community transformation.
Story by: Berimaba Kwaku Nyamekye