Mahama directs finance minister to bridge $156m USAID funding gap

President John Mahama has asked the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to immediately find solutions to address the gaps in the country’s health sector funding following the suspension of USAID assistance.

In a letter addressed to the minister, the president called for urgent action, as the situation is likely to affect Ghana’s efforts in addressing issues such as maternal health, HIV/AIDS, family planning, and childbirth.

Mr Mahama highlighted that the country is to face a funding shortfall of $156 million due to the suspension of USAID support.

The president has urged the Finance Minister to explore alternative funding sources to bridge this gap and mitigate any adverse effects the country may face.

Upon taking office in January, US President Donald Trump suspended USAID, a key form of international assistance provided by the USA to other countries.

The suspension has since impacted many African nations in various ways.

Already, the decision is affecting the Last Mile Distribution (LMD) of essential health commodities in Ghana’s three northern regions.