Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for rejecting a proposed United States health compact. The compact was deemed to contain unacceptable conditions, prompting the government to reject it. Sarkodie took to social media to commend the President, describing his decision as a step towards restoring Ghana's dignity and respect on the international stage.
President Mahama disclosed that the Cabinet swiftly rejected the proposed health compact following concerns over some of its provisions. He made this statement at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Friday, September 25, 2026. According to the President, the Health Ministry had reviewed the compact, which was presented as a replacement for funding Ghana lost following the termination of USAID support.
The Ministry prepared a Cabinet Information Paper on the agreement, highlighting several concerns. One of the major concerns was a provision requiring Ghana to provide its pathogen profile, information on diseases endemic to the country. President Mahama questioned the need for such information, citing the potential risks and implications for Ghana's health data.
Another requirement that raised concerns was the need for Ghana to provide medical records. President Mahama described this requirement as "strange" and questioned its necessity. He also disclosed that the agreement required Ghana to contribute a specified amount of funding towards the programme while restricting the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) from inspecting medicines and medical products brought into the country under the arrangement.
President Mahama described the conditions as "humiliating" and said Cabinet consequently rejected the compact within a short period. He emphasized that the government could not accept such conditions, which compromised Ghana's sovereignty and dignity. The rejection of the compact has drawn attention to the government's commitment to protecting Ghana's interests and values.
Sarkodie's remarks have since drawn attention to the President's account of the negotiations and the government's decision to reject the proposed agreement. The rapper's comments reflect a wider appreciation for the President's stance on the matter, with many Ghanaians welcoming the decision to reject the compact.
The government's decision to reject the compact demonstrates its commitment to upholding Ghana's dignity and respect on the international stage. Key issues that led to the rejection include the requirement for Ghana to provide its pathogen profile and medical records, as well as restrictions on the FDA's inspection powers.
Key points
- The proposed US health compact required Ghana to provide its pathogen profile and medical records.
- The agreement restricted the FDA from inspecting medicines and medical products brought into the country under the arrangement.
- The government rejected the compact due to its "humiliating" conditions.
