The office of the Scheme Manager of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Kadjebi District, Oti Region, was barricaded on Monday morning, September 15, 2025, by a group of protesters opposing the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Klu as the new District Scheme Manager.
The protest, which started around 7:38 a.m., was led by Mr. Sampson Quarshiga, Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akan Constituency. The group expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as an unfair and unconsulted appointment process.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Quarshiga alleged that Mr. Klu lacked the necessary competence for the role. He further claimed that the party hierarchy was not involved in the appointment, insisting that more qualified members of the NDC could have been considered for the position.
“There are more qualified persons within the party who deserve this position,” Mr. Quarshiga said while addressing reporters.
However, in his reaction, Mr. Emmanuel Klu dismissed the claims, saying the Scheme Manager’s position was not based on the same criteria as political roles such as the District Chief Executive (DCE). He explained that appointments to the NHIS offices were not determined by ethnicity, geographical background, or political considerations.
“There are no specific criteria for the Scheme Manager position. Appointments in Hohoe, Biakoye, and Nkwanta South were similar to mine,” Mr. Klu stated.
Mr. Klu, who also serves as the Director of Elections for the Akan NDC, noted that he officially assumed office on Thursday, September 11, just four days before the protest.
The development has sparked fresh debate within the local political scene as some party members and supporters continue to question the level of consultation in appointments to public service roles. Observers say the protest could signal deeper tensions within the NDC at the constituency level, particularly as internal party dynamics influence public appointments in the district.
The barricade at the NHIS Kadjebi office disrupted operations for several hours, though no violence was recorded. Security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the matter.
