President John Dramani Mahama has instructed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to take swift action in addressing a significant $156 million funding gap caused by the suspension of USAID support.
In a statement released on February 11, the Presidency expressed Mahama’s concern over the shortfall, highlighting the severe impact it could have on essential health and social programs in Ghana.
At the heart of the crisis is a $78.2 million deficit that threatens crucial services, including malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, and reproductive health.
The funding gap also poses a serious risk to Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS by restricting access to life-saving antiretroviral drugs, testing, and preventive measures.
In light of this, President Mahama has directed the Finance Ministry to prioritise urgent interventions and develop immediate funding solutions to prevent disruptions to healthcare services and other critical social programs.
The government is working to ensure these vital services remain uninterrupted despite the financial strain.
