President John Dramani Mahama has praised 11 security agencies under the Ministry for the Interior for their GH¢1 million contribution to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, an initiative aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).  

The President described the donation, which was made at a ceremony at the Jubilee House yesterday, as a significant gesture, highlighting the agencies' commitment not only to ensuring national security, but also for safeguarding the health of citizens.  

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak; the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno.

Representatives of the donor organisations, including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Prisons Service, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the National Identification Authority (NIA), were also present. 

President Mahama emphasised the severe impact of NCDs, which accounted for about 40 per cent of deaths in Ghana.

They include kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, various cancers and diabetes.

He stated that the high cost of diagnosis and treatment often placed a heavy financial strain on affected families.  

"Even the wealthiest individuals can face financial ruin within a year of battling a non-communicable disease," the President said, underscoring the need for collective efforts to address the issue.  

President Mahama disclosed that the Cabinet had approved a bill for the Mahama Cares Fund, paving the way for its submission to Parliament.

“Once passed into law, the fund will be managed by independent trustees, reputable individuals appointed to ensure transparency and accountability,” he stated.  

Sourcing of funding for the initiative includes the uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy, budgetary allocations, corporate donations and grants from development partners.

President Mahama revealed that substantial contributions had already been made at the fund’s launch, including his pledge of six months’ salary.

He also announced plans for a one-month salary donation initiative among public officials, coordinated by the Office of the Chief of Staff.  

Beyond treatment, the fund will prioritise public education on preventing NCDs. 

The President encouraged Ghanaians to adopt healthier lifestyles and undergo regular medical check-ups, sharing his own family’s health history as an example.  

"My father died of prostate cancer, and my mother from complications of diabetes and hypertension. This is why I must monitor my health closely," he said, urging citizens to take proactive steps in managing their well-being.  

President Mahama also addressed operational challenges facing security agencies, announcing a GH¢1 billion allocation for retooling.

He expressed concern over the Ghana National Fire Service’s outdated equipment, with the latest fire engine acquired over 10 years ago.  

"I appeal to the public to be patient with our fire service.

They are doing their best under difficult circumstances," he said. 

The President thanked the security agencies for their support, stressing that the Mahama Cares Fund would benefit all Ghanaians, as NCDs could affect anyone.  

Representatives from the Ghana Police Service, Immigration Service, Fire Service, Prisons Service and other agencies under the Ministry for the Interior attended the ceremony.  

The Mahama Cares Fund is expected to significantly help improve healthcare access for Ghanaians affected by life-threatening non-communicable diseases.