The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, sometimes referred to as Mahama Cares, was established by the government to offer financial assistance to those afflicted with long-term illnesses including cancer, heart problems, and renal failure.
President John Dramani Mahama launched the effort, which is anticipated to increase impacted people’s access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden of treatment.
Speaking during the unveiling in Accra on March 12, 2025, Dr. Koku Awoonor, who represented the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, hailed Mahama Cares as a lifeline for many families who cannot afford medical treatment.
“Non-communicable diseases put a heavy strain on families both psychologically and financially. Today’s event signals a new approach to making treatment more accessible,” he said.
Kwabena Minta Akando, Minister for Health, said the effort was long overdue, citing World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that noncommunicable illnesses account for 42% of all deaths in Ghana.
“Cardiovascular disorders alone account for 90% of all occurrences, with cancer accounting for 5%. Many of these fatalities might have been avoided if individuals had access to therapy, but the exorbitant expense makes it unattainable for many,” he explained.
Mr Akando praised the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)’s importance in financing healthcare, but noted that it does not cover many specialty therapies.
He stated that Mahama Cares will bridge this gap by providing financial help to persons suffering from chronic ailments.
To oversee the fund’s activities, the government established the Mahama Cares Technical Taskforce, a group of specialists tasked with crafting essential rules, designing a funding structure, and establishing eligibility criteria for people who will benefit.
The task team is led by Reverend Professor Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, a former provost of the College of Health Sciences. Other members include seasoned experts in medicine, finance, and law.
According to Prof. Aryeetey, the project would change the lives of families that are unable to pay for the expensive therapy. “This is relief and hope for those who rely on dialysis or chemotherapy, not just another policy,” he stated.
To help Mahama Cares, the government has called on corporations, civic society, and foreign partners.
“This is a collective effort. We need strong financial backing and expert contributions to make it work,” the Health Minister said.
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