President John Mahama has disclosed that government has taken urgent steps to cover the gap created by the sudden withdrawal of $156 million in US health aid.

At his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, he said the aid had sustained critical programmes in malaria, HIV and AIDS, and child health, and its loss posed a serious fiscal and public health challenge.

“The sudden withdrawal of $156 million in US aid, health support, which previously sustained critical programs in malaria, HIV and AIDS and Child Health, presented a serious fiscal and public health challenge.

"In response, we have readjusted our domestic expenditure priorities and ensured that the domestic safety nets are provided to cover the gap that occurred, to further bridge access gaps and enhance service delivery.”

He stressed that government has boosted domestic funding for health, raising the national health budget by 13.4 per cent from GH¢15.6 billion to GH¢17.8 billion in 2025.

“This bold step reflects our recognition of the urgent need to strengthen Ghana’s health care system in the face of both domestic demands and global health risks.”

President John also announced a major increase in funding to the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“We’ve uncapped the NHIL, amid 66% increase in funding to the National Health Insurance Scheme from GH¢5.9 billion to GH¢9.8 billion in 2025.

This is not just a budget line, it’s a life-saving commitment. These funds will help expand coverage, improve claims processing, and ensure that every Ghanaian, especially the poor and vulnerable, has access to affordable, quality health care.”

He added that over GH¢2 billion will be invested in health care infrastructure between now and 2028.

“This includes an initial GH¢200 million allocation in the 2025 budget to accelerate construction, expansion and modernisation of hospitals, clinics and health centres nationwide, whether in remote rural communities or high-density urban centres.

"Our aim is the same: a health facility within reach of every Ghanaian.”

President John noted that cabinet is awaiting a report on the Agenda 111 hospitals to determine the way forward for their completion.

“Cabinet is awaiting a report from the Minister of Health on the status and stage of completion of the Agenda 111 hospitals to determine a way forward for their completion.”