President John Mahama has instructed the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to urgently address a $156 million funding shortfall in Ghana’s health sector following the suspension of USAID assistance.
Impact on Ghana’s Health Sector
The USAID suspension affects key areas, including:
- Maternal health
- HIV/AIDS programs
- Family planning
- Childbirth services
Urgent Call for Alternative Funding
Mahama’s directive urges the Finance Minister to explore new funding sources to prevent disruptions in critical healthcare services.
USAID Suspension Under Trump Administration
The funding cut follows the US government’s decision to halt USAID programs under President Donald Trump, affecting many African nations, including Ghana.
Health Sector Struggles
The withdrawal of USAID funding is already impacting the Last Mile Distribution (LMD) of essential health supplies in Ghana’s northern regions.
Way Forward
The government is expected to introduce new budgetary allocations, donor engagements, and local revenue mobilization to close the gap and ensure healthcare services remain uninterrupted.
