Ghana launches ‘Mahama Cares’ Fund to support patients with chronic illnesses
The government has unveiled the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, to provide financial assistance to individuals battling chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative aims to ease the financial burden of treatment and expand healthcare access for affected patients.
Speaking at the launch in Accra on March 12, 2025, Dr. Koku Awoonor, representing the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, described Mahama Cares as a much-needed relief for families struggling to afford essential medical care.
“Non-communicable diseases take an immense toll—both emotionally and financially. This initiative marks a critical step toward making life-saving treatment more accessible,” he stated.
Health Minister Kwabena Minta Akando emphasized the urgency of the program, citing World Health Organization (WHO) statistics that attribute 42% of all deaths in Ghana to non-communicable diseases.
“Cardiovascular diseases alone make up 90% of these cases, while cancers account for 5%. Many of these deaths could be prevented if treatment were affordable, but for too many, it remains out of reach,” he noted.
While the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) plays a key role in Ghana’s healthcare system, Mr. Akando acknowledged its limitations in covering specialized treatments. Mahama Cares is designed to bridge this gap, providing crucial financial support to those in need.
To oversee the fund’s operations, the government has established the Mahama Cares Technical Taskforce, a multidisciplinary team responsible for policy development, funding mechanisms, and eligibility guidelines.
The task force is chaired by Reverend Professor Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, former provost of the College of Health Sciences, alongside medical, financial, and legal experts.
Prof. Aryeetey praised the initiative, highlighting its transformative impact on families burdened by medical expenses. “For those reliant on dialysis or chemotherapy, this is more than policy—it’s hope,” he said.
The government is calling on businesses, civil society, and international partners to support Mahama Cares. “This is a collective effort,” the Health Minister stressed. “Sustainable funding and expert collaboration are crucial to its success.”
