President John Dramani Mahama has instructed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to take immediate action to address the funding gap created by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme.
A statement from the Presidency on February 11 emphasized Mahama’s deep concern over the estimated $156 million deficit, warning of its potential impact on critical health and social intervention programs.
The funding gap is particularly alarming, with a $78.2 million shortfall threatening essential services such as malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition.
Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS is also jeopardized, with restricted access to antiretroviral drugs, testing, and preventive measures.
To mitigate these effects, President Mahama has directed the Finance Ministry to prioritize urgent interventions and implement immediate funding solutions to prevent disruptions in healthcare and social services.