Mahama Directs Finance Minister to Bridge $156M USAID Funding Gap
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 SectorThe USAID suspension affects key areas, including:Maternal healthHIV/AIDS programsFamily planningChildbirth servicesUrgent Call for Alternative FundingMahama’s directive urges the Finance Minister to explore new funding sources to prevent disruptions in critical healthcare services.USAID Suspension Under Trump AdministrationThe funding cut follows the US government's decision to halt USAID programs under President Donald Trump, affecting many African nations, including Ghana.Health Sector StrugglesThe withdrawal of USAID funding is already impacting the Last Mile Distribution (LMD) of essential health supplies in Ghana’s northern regions.Way ForwardThe government is expected to introduce new budgetary allocations, donor engagements, and local revenue mobilization to close the gap and ensure healthcare services remain uninterrupted.