Ghana: President Mahama Directs Finance Minister to Bridge Suspended $156m USAID Funding Gap

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to take urgent measures to address a critical funding gap following the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) international funding program.

The funding shortfall, estimated at $156 million, has raised serious concerns, particularly regarding its impact on essential health programs. One of the major concerns is the projected $78.2 million deficit that threatens key interventions in malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

While Ghana is working to reduce maternal and child mortality and combat malaria, the suspension of USAID funding poses a serious risk to these efforts. The availability of antiretroviral drugs, HIV testing, and prevention programs could be severely affected, endangering thousands of lives.

In response, President Mahama has directed that priority be given to securing alternative funding sources and reallocating resources to prevent any disruptions in these critical programs.

The government is expected to explore various financing mechanisms to ensure continuity in service delivery and protect public health outcomes.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications and spokesperson for the President, confirmed the directive, emphasising the administration’s commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of the funding suspension.

Recall that the United States government had ordered the closure of all USAID missions overseas, and staff members were directed to return to the U.S. by Friday, February 7 2025. This is part of a major restructuring that aims to place USAID under the control of the State Department.

USAID employs over 10,000 people globally and has faced heavy criticism for mismanagement and corruption. Since the U.S. foreign aid freeze began in January 2020, many programs have been put on hold. The U.S. government said it will cover the return travel costs for overseas staff within 30 days. Employees facing hardship or safety concerns can request exemptions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now acting head of USAID, called the agency “completely unresponsive” and accused its staff of failing to answer basic questions about its programs.

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