By Albert Allotey
Accra, Nov. 14, GNA – Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the Chairperson of the Ghana NCD Alliance, has called on stakeholders in health to come together to make the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) work successfully.
She said, “The Ghana NCD Alliance has long advocated for the Fund for equitable financing, access to essential medicines, and support systems that leave no one behind. And so, we are deeply encouraged to see this initiative taking shape.
“But friends, our work does not end here. The success of this Fund will depend on how we, as stakeholders, come together – government, civil society, the private sector, and our development partners – to make it transparent, accountable, and truly responsive to the needs of patients.”
Dr Wiafe Addai made the call in an address at a strategic stakeholders’ engagement on the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) in Accra organised by the Ghana NCD Alliance with support from the Ministry of Health.
She said, “Today, we gather not just for another meeting, but to take a bold step toward something truly transformative – a future where every Ghanaian, no matter their background or income, can access the care they need without fear or hardship.”
“For those of us in the NCD community, this conversation could not be more timely. Every day, people in our families, communities, and our workplaces face the burden of noncommunicable diseases – cancers, diabetes, hypertension, mental health challenges, chronic kidney disease – and too often, they struggle in silence,” the Chairperson stated.
She added that, “The MahamaCares Fund represents hope. It represents a shift from promises to action, from rhetoric to real, sustainable investment in the health of our people”.
Dr Wiafe Addai asked the stakeholders to be guided by three key priorities – equity, accountability, and impact to ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind, regardless of geography or income,
They should also ensure the building of a fund that earns and maintains public trust and translates policies into tangible improvements in the lives of patients and families.
“This will help us together chart a new path for health financing in Ghana – one that secures hope, dignity, and better health outcomes for generations to come,” she said.
“If we can achieve that, then MahamaCares will not just be a fund; it will be a legacy – a legacy of compassion, fairness, and dignity in healthcare for every Ghanaian,” she pointed out.
Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, in a speech read on his behalf, said the passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act (2025), the appointment of an Administrator, and the constitution of a board demonstrated government’s commitment to the new era in health financing.
“However, let me acknowledge that its success will depend on collaboration and support among government agencies, civil society, development partners, and communities,” he stated.
Madam Obuobia Darko-Opoku, the Head of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, gave an overview of the concept of the Fund, opportunities, funding sources, sustainability, and monitoring framework.
The Trust Fund currently relies on the following sources of funding; 20 per cent National Health Insurance Levy, Parliamentary Budget approval, investment returns, and grant donations and voluntary contributions.
Dr Alex Kombat, Assistant Commissioner of Research and Policy of the Ghana Revenue Authority, said the sources of the Fund were unreliable and proposed the use of the revenue accruing from the health taxes to support the Trust Fund.
He said, “Health taxes in 2024 yielded about GHC2.25 billion and all or part of the revenue could be used to support the Fund.”
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie