By: Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
President John Dramani Mahama has directed Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take immediate action to address the financial shortfall caused by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program.
In a statement from the Presidency on February 11, 2025, Mahama expressed deep concern over the estimated $156 million funding gap, cautioning that it could severely impact key health and social intervention initiatives.
A particularly pressing issue is a $78.2 million deficit, which threatens vital services such as malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition programs.
Additionally, the funding gap poses a significant challenge to Ghana’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, limiting access to antiretroviral drugs, testing, and preventive measures.
To counter these potential setbacks, President Mahama has directed the Finance Ministry to prioritize urgent funding measures and implement immediate solutions to ensure the continuity of essential healthcare and social services.
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