The Government of Ghana has officially inaugurated the MahamaCares Technical Taskforce, marking a significant step toward improving access to quality healthcare for Ghanaians.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Wednesday, at the Ministry of Health Auditorium in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh highlighted that the MahamaCares initiative, also known as the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, is a direct response to the growing burden of chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, and heart conditions, which impose significant financial strain on families.
He noted that non-communicable diseases account for 42% of all deaths in Ghana, with cardiovascular diseases contributing 19% and cancers 5%.
“The Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, widely known as MahamaCares, is a bold response to this challenge. Its purpose is clear: no Ghanaian should have to choose between their health and financial ruin. This initiative will bridge the current gaps in healthcare financing, ensure fairness in access to treatment, and enhance the well-being of all Ghanaians,” Hon. Akandoh stated.
The Health Minister emphasized that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has made significant progress in providing coverage for general health needs, but it does not comprehensively address the high costs of specialized treatments for chronic illnesses.
MahamaCares, he explained, will provide dedicated financial support to individuals battling these debilitating conditions.
The nine-member Technical Taskforce, chaired by Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, former Provost of the College of Health Sciences, has been mandated to develop a robust policy and legal framework to establish MahamaCares as a statutory entity.
The taskforce is also expected to design a sustainable funding model, establish transparent eligibility and disbursement criteria, and evaluate healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable access.
Other key members of the Taskforce include:
Prof. Emeritus Binka – Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences
Prof. Margaret Kweku – Public Health Consultant
Dr. Alfred Doku – Consultant Cardiologist
Dr. Radolph Nsor-Ambala – Financial Expert
Dr. Anthony Gingong – Representative of the National Health Insurance Trust Fund
Dr. Anthony Seddoh – Health Policy and Financing Expert
Anna Pearl Akiwumi Siriboe – Attorney General’s representative
Dr. Belinda Afriyie – Public Health Consultant and Secretary of the Taskforce
Hon. Akandoh expressed confidence in the expertise and dedication of the taskforce, urging them to approach their mandate with passion and integrity.
“The choices you make in the coming months will shape the future of this initiative. Your efforts will not only encompass policies and frameworks; they will focus on saving lives and restoring hope to families in need,” he added.
He called on government agencies, private sector organizations, civil society, and the international community to collaborate and support the initiative through resource mobilization, technical expertise, and advocacy for sustainable healthcare financing.
“This is a promise of hope. MahamaCares is not merely a health initiative; it is a commitment to reducing deaths caused by chronic diseases. It is about ensuring that no one is denied treatment due to an inability to afford it. It is about restoring dignity to healthcare,” Hon. Akandoh said.
The Minister encouraged the taskforce to consult widely and design a solution that is effective and sustainable.
He expressed optimism that MahamaCares would transform healthcare delivery in Ghana, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of financial status, have access to life-saving treatments.
On his part, Chairman of the MahamaCares Technical Taskforce, Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, has assured Ghanaians of the taskforce’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in the country.
Rev. Prof. Aryeetey, who is also the Former Provost of the College of Health Sciences, expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence reposed in them.
He pledged that the taskforce would work tirelessly to improve access to quality healthcare.
“We will work from dawn to dusk to ensure better healthcare for Ghanaians,” he stated.
Rev. Prof. Aryeetey highlighted former President John Dramani Mahama’s contributions to healthcare infrastructure, noting that during his first term, Mahama built the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) and several other health facilities.
“Even in opposition, we proudly recall the things President Mahama achieved. He has a heart for the people,” he added.
The MahamaCares Technical Taskforce is tasked with developing a comprehensive framework to support healthcare financing and improve access to specialized medical care across the country.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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