Accra: The Cabinet has given its approval to the Ghana Medical Trust (Mahama Cares) Fund Bill, moving it forward for consideration by Parliament, President John Dramani Mahama has announced. The initiative fulfills a campaign promise aimed at mitigating the financial challenges faced by individuals suffering from chronic diseases.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama revealed this development during a ceremony where he received a cheque amounting to one million and two thousand Ghana cedis from the 11 agencies under the Ministry for the Interior. The funds were contributed in support of the Mahama Cares Fund. Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Inspector-General of Police, presented the cheque on behalf of the agencies at the Presidency in Accra.
The contributions were distributed as follows: Ghana Police Service GHS580,000, Ghana Immigration Service GHS100,000, Ghana National Fire Service GHS50,000, National Disaster Management Organization GHS50,000, and Ghana Prisons Service GHS50,000. Additional contributions were made by the Narcotics Control Commission GHS10,000, National Identification Authority GHS50,000, Gaming Commission GHS50,000, Ghana Refugees Board GHS5,000, National Peace Council GHS5,000, and the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission GHS10,000. Individual contributions included GHS50,000 from Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior/National Security, and GHS30,000 from Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Minister for the Interior.
President Mahama expressed his gratitude to the security agencies and other affiliated organizations under the Ministry for the Interior for their generous contributions, believing that the funds would significantly assist in operationalizing the Fund. He noted that once Parliament passes the Mahama Cares Fund Bill into law, the government would proceed with appointing trustees for the Fund. These trustees will be independent, distinguished figures recognized within the country.
The President highlighted that funding arrangements for the Mahama Cares Fund would include allocations from the uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy, which previously had portions directed into the consolidated fund. Now, full financing is directed to the National Health Insurance Authority, with a portion reserved for Mahama Cares. The Fund will also receive financial support from budget allocations, private corporate donations, and grants from development partners.
President Mahama shared that during the launch of the Mahama Cares Fund, significant funds were raised from various groups, and he personally pledged six months of his salary to the initiative. He plans to present his cheque soon to fulfill this pledge. The President has also instructed the Chief of Staff's Office and the Special Advisor on Governmental Affairs to commence the collection of a one-month salary pledge from political appointees, ministers, and appointees at the Presidency. These contributions will be officially presented to the Minister of Health for inclusion in the Fund while the Bill awaits parliamentary approval.
Highlighting the Fund's importance, President Mahama stated that it aims to benefit anyone affected by non-communicable diseases, which are increasingly prevalent in Ghana due to changing lifestyles. The Mahama Cares Fund will also focus on raising awareness about the factors contributing to these diseases, emphasizing prevention as a key strategy.
Inspector-General of Police Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in his remarks during the cheque presentation, emphasized that the donations were voluntary contributions from senior officers across all agencies under the Ministry for the Interior. He noted that while security personnel have government support, many Ghanaians lack access to necessary healthcare services. He praised the Mahama Cares initiative and pledged continued support from the security agencies.
The event was attended by Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior/National Security Minister, and Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Health Minister.
