Accra: Parliament has passed the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, into law to mobilise funds and resources towards the treatment of chronic and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government stated that approximately US$60 million is needed to support many sufferers of NCDs across the nation. The bill, considered under a certificate of urgency, aims to cover medical expenses for sufferers of NCDs, including stroke, cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as 'Mahama Cares', is set to receive 20 per cent of its funding from the National Insurance Trust Fund (NHIF) to support its activities. Health Minister Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced at a press conference at Parliament House that GHc1.5 billion has been ring-fenced from the National Health Insurance Fund formula to serve as seed capital for the Trust Fund's operation.
Mr Akandoh emphasized that 43 per cent of mortality in Ghana is due to NCDs, and the Trust Fund's operationalisation would offer relief to sufferers and financial relief to families. He commended individuals and corporate entities that have already contributed to the Trust Fund and encouraged further donations.
The bill faced opposition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus during the parliamentary debate. They argued that allocating 20 per cent from the NHIF to the Mahama Cares initiative could weaken and potentially collapse the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, NPP Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore and Ranking Member on the Health Committee, urged the government to seek alternative funding sources. He expressed concerns that the Medical Trust Fund would compete with the NHIS for resources, which he deemed unsustainable.
In contrast, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikadu-Ketan and Deputy Minister of Health designate, defended the legislation. She stated that the Trust Fund is crucial for providing healthcare to NCD sufferers and aligns with the United Nations Universal Health Coverage goals. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah highlighted the urgent need to address the over 40 per cent mortality rate in the country attributed to chronic diseases.
