The Mayor of Tema, Ebi Bright, has stepped in to restore order at the Tema Central office of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) following a tense confrontation that forced the temporary closure of the facility.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, when a group of aggrieved individuals, reportedly affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), stormed the NHIS office and locked the premises, preventing staff from carrying out their duties. The protest disrupted operations, affecting residents who rely on the scheme for healthcare registration and related services.
According to reports, the demonstration was led by the NDC Tema Central Constituency Chairman, Benjamin Iams Djakumah, with support from other constituency executives. The group expressed frustration over recent appointments to positions within the NHIS and other public institutions in the area, claiming that local party structures were overlooked and several qualified members sidelined.
In response to the escalating tension, Mayor Bright visited the NHIS office on Wednesday, February 11, to engage staff and assure them of their safety.
Addressing the workers, she emphasized that disruptions to public institutions would not be tolerated and clarified that appointment decisions were not made by constituency executives or the metropolitan assembly.
“Don’t embarrass my government by suggesting that appointments are made by constituency executives or the mayor. Have you seen me inside your office before? I expect you to do your job. I will engage you to deliver. Whoever here feels that they are going to foment trouble—this is not in my metro,” she said.
She added that security personnel have been instructed to protect staff, underlining her responsibility to ensure their safety. “If you feel that you are going to compromise this, it means that you are ready to compromise yourself,” Mayor Bright warned.
The Mayor also cautioned against actions that could tarnish the government’s image or undermine public confidence in state institutions, reaffirming her commitment to maintaining order and ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery in the metropolis.
