The United States of America is seeking amendments to the $109 million health compact that was rejected by Ghana's Cabinet in April. According to President John Dramani Mahama, Washington has requested further engagement on the compact, but Ghana will continue to stand firm in defence of its sovereign rights. The proposed compact was rejected due to conditions that were deemed humiliating and a threat to national sovereignty.
The rejection of the compact marked a setback to President Donald Trump's administration to overhaul foreign aid. Ghana was not the only African country to express concerns about the deal, with Zimbabwe and Kenya also raising issues with the agreement. In Kenya, a court temporarily suspended the agreement pending the hearing of a case filed by a consumer protection group.
Despite the rejection of the compact, the US Embassy has clarified that its health assistance to Ghana has not stopped. The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, disclosed that the US health funding for Ghana in 2025 was $82 million, which had always been the plan. The allocation for 2026 was $53 million.
President Mahama made these revelations at a town hall meeting in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional capital, as part of his nationwide “Resetting Ghana Tour.” The engagement brought together local chiefs, residents, and government officials to discuss the government’s development agenda and ongoing projects in the region.
During the town hall meeting, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Ahafo Region for their support in the 2024 General Election. He assured them of their fair share of national development and highlighted key government interventions, including road construction under the Big Push Infrastructure Development Programme.
The President also highlighted improvements in the health sector, including the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares. He announced that the government would procure rechargeable electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, with a pilot project set to begin soon.
As part of preparations for Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama directed that roads within all 16 regional capitals, including Goaso, should be rehabilitated or constructed. Work had already commenced on selected roads in Accra and would be extended to other regional capitals. The President was accompanied by several government officials, including the Minister of Roads and Highways and the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Key points
- The US is seeking amendments to the $109 million health compact rejected by Ghana's Cabinet in April.
- Ghana's President Mahama insists that the country will stand firm in defence of its sovereign rights.
- The US health funding for Ghana in 2025 is $82 million, with an allocation of $53 million for 2026.
