President Mahama outlines Ghanaian programs that will suffer from Trump’s cancellation USAID
President Mahama has described as challenging, the decision by President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, to abolish the USAID program, which was the country’s most significant aid program.
Delivering the first State of the Nation Address of his second term, President Mahama noted that the cancellation of the program will significantly affect certain aspects of the country.
He outlined the impact of the cancellation on the country, disclosing that the Minister of Finance has been directed to develop a strategy for addressing the funding gap that is set to be created by the decision of the Trump administration.
“One of the most pressing issues confronting our health sector today is the USAID’s sudden 90-day pause in services without prior notice and the looming threat of complete withdrawal of programs that do not align with the USAID’s strategic interest.
“Programs that will be affected include the delivery of medical commodities to regional medical stores and health facilities in the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, and Savannah Regions. USAID support for the National HIV/AIDS control programs includes the supply of anti-retroviral therapies in the Western, Western North, and Ahafo Regions,” he said.
He added that “The withdrawal puts at risk approximately $78 million in earmarked funds for malaria, maternal and child health, nutrition, and HIV/AIDS. It also covers some programs being run at the Noguchi Memorial Research Institute. The impact will be challenging without urgent intervention.”
The Trump administration, as part of efforts to enhance government efficiency, launched a probe into the operations of the USAID, culminating in its suspension.
The suspension precedes the expected cancellation of the program, with the Trump administration charting a different path in terms of US diplomacy and support to other countries.
