TEIN Should Produce Future Leaders to Sustain NDC Government – NHIA Deputy CEO Anatu Bogobire
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA,) in charged of Finance and Investment, Ms. Anatu Anne Bogobire, has urged members of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) at the University of Ghana to use the student political organization as a springboard to build their leadership capacities and support the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in advancing its national development agenda.
Speaking as the Special Guest Speaker at the TEIN-UG Homecoming under the theme, “Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future,” Ms. Bogobire described the network as a leadership academy that has produced many young people now serving in key positions across government and public institutions.
“I wish to express how honoured I am by this invitation to return home as a Special Guest Speaker. To be called back to the fraternity that shaped me under the theme ‘Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future’ is indeed humbling,” she said.
Reflecting on her own journey through TEIN, the NHIA boss said the organization provided her first practical lessons in leadership, teamwork and public service.
“TEIN-UG was never just a student network for me.
It was a training ground. It was in TEIN that many of us first sharpened our argumentative skills, learned how to organise without a budget, how to speak up when it was easier to stay silent, and how to serve before we were asked. That was our first classroom in leadership,” she noted.
She paid tribute to past executives, alumni and mentors who contributed to the growth of the organization, singling out the late Mr. Steven Ahiawordor of the University of Ghana and Prof. Addy of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology for helping shape the political journeys of many young leaders.
Ms. Bogobire said her transition from TEIN to heading the NHIA demonstrates the opportunities the network creates for committed members who dedicate themselves to public service.
“My journey from TEIN-UG to the National Health Insurance Authority is proof of the bridge this fraternity creates. In TEIN, I learned that leadership is service, and at the NHIA today, that same principle guides me every day,” she stated.
She encouraged current members to take seriously the leadership, communication and organizational skills they acquire in TEIN, stressing that those competencies would be essential in shaping Ghana’s future.
“The skills you are building now—public speaking, policy advocacy, grassroots mobilisation and accountability—are the exact skills Ghana will need from you tomorrow. Don’t despise small beginnings. This room is where nation-builders are formed.”
Calling on members to remain active in promoting the ideals of the NDC, Ms. Bogobire urged them to build a united and resilient organization capable of contributing meaningfully to governance.
“Make TEIN a united front that is effective at mobilisation, resilient and ready for any challenge to ensure that the NDC remains in government to implement the Better Ghana Agenda,” she charged.
She further advised the student body to prioritise institutions building over social media popularity, unity over factionalism and practical solutions over endless criticism.
“Our generation must build institutions, not just influence and popularity. It is not enough to critique. Bring solutions after constructive criticism. If you see a gap in health, education or jobs, be the one to propose or implement solutions,” she said.
To strengthen policy engagement among members, Ms. Bogobire proposed that TEIN-UG institutionalise a policy debate or analytical forum every semester to showcase the intellectual strength of the organization.
She also highlighted recent achievements in the health sector under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, attributing improvements in the National Health Insurance Scheme to the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund.
“The story of NHIA is one of the Better Ghana Agenda. Since President John Dramani Mahama uncapped the NHI Fund, the NHIA now pays for claims timely and effectively. Just this Wednesday, I authorised the payment of about GH¢220 million to health providers, and claims are now paid every month ending,” she disclosed.
According to her, initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare programme and Mahama Care demonstrate the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access for Ghanaians.
Addressing young women in the audience, Ms. Bogobire encouraged them to pursue leadership positions confidently, while reminding them that success requires commitment and hard work.
“Your turn is not later. Your turn is now. But you must earn it. No position will be given to you on a silver platter. Go through the mill, earn your space and own it. We, the alumni, are here to mentor you, fund you and open doors for you.”
She also challenged TEIN alumni to maintain lasting relationships with the student body by mentoring young members, supporting projects and creating opportunities for future leaders.
“Let this homecoming not end today. Let’s mentor one member, fund one project and open one door. That is how we honour our past—by investing in the future.”
Ms. Bogobire concluded by reminding members that they have an immediate responsibility to contribute to national development.
“To the current members, you are not waiting for your turn. Your turn is now. Ghana is waiting, and I believe TEIN-UG is ready.”
Source:Felix NYAABA/expressnewsghana.com
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