President Launches ‘Mahama Cares’ To Address Chronic Health Issues

President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as Mahama Cares, in Accra.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Mr Mahama described the initiative as a beacon of hope for thousands of Ghanaians facing long-term health challenges.

The initiative, driven by the newly established Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), is designed to provide critical financial support for the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Chronic kidney failure, Stroke and other long-term complications.

“Today we are launching more than just an initiative. We are launching hope – hope for thousands of Ghanaians living with chronic diseases hope for families battling the overwhelming costs of care,” Mr. Mahama declared in his keynote address.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is the product of extensive stakeholder engagement. President Mahama disclosed that a National Technical Task Force, chaired by Reverend Emeritus Professor Seth Ayittey, was commissioned shortly after his election as flagbearer.

The task force consulted with over 3,300 stakeholders and submitted its final report on April 10, 2025. The draft bill for the Fund is ready and will be laid before Parliament when it resumes next month.

y“The Ghana Medical Trust Fund will operate as an independent statutory trust governed by a Board of Trustees,” he explained adding “it will be supported by administrative secretaries, third-party administrators, and patient navigators to ensure transparency, efficiency, and a patient-centered service ethic.”

The former president acknowledged that while the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has made important strides, it remains inadequate in covering treatment and medication for chronic diseases. In 2018, nearly half 48% of all NHIS claims were related to NCDs, yet many essential services and medicines remain outside its scope.

This gap has led to high out-of-pocket expenses for families. President Mahama shared a personal account to highlight the real-life struggles many Ghanaians face:

“I know because I paid for my mother’s diabetes medication. I know the difference between imported drugs and the cost of generic versions. If we can empower our local pharmaceutical industry to produce more affordable generic drugs, we can bring costs much lower,” he said

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund will be financed primarily through the uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL). Additional funding sources will include direct government budgetary support, voluntary contributions from corporates and individuals, grants, donations, and investment income.

According to initial estimates, the fund will require GH¢3 billion annually over the first three years. Mr. Mahama emphasized that strategic procurement measures, including access pricing and framework contracting, will ensure the sustainable acquisition of essential medicines and diagnostics.

The initiative also aims to expand its coverage in the long term to include palliative care, convalescent services, and home-based medical support, an effort Mr. Mahama said aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of achieving universal health coverage.

“The privileges and powers of high office come with an obligation to serve the people, not to shield oneself from scrutiny,” he said, reinforcing his vision of an accountable, transparent healthcare system driven by equity and compassion.

President Mahama credited the achievement to a wide coalition of contributors, including medical professionals, religious leaders, development partners and civil society actors.

“Your dedication has translated a manifesto promise into a tangible, life-changing reality,” Mahama said, acknowledging the task force’s leadership and the collective effort behind the initiative.

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