PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has pledged six months of his salary to the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as ‘Mahama Cares’, aimed at combating the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country.
Speaking at the official launch event in Accra Tuesday, Mahama emphasised the urgent need for sustainable support for Ghanaians suffering from life-threatening conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and strokes.
‘I have pledged half a year — six months — of my salary to Mahama Cares,’ Mahama announced, drawing warm applause from attendees. ‘I’m not yet being paid — the Accountant General is still finalising things — but once it is done, six months of whatever I am entitled to will go into the fund.’
Tackling a growing national health crisis
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has been established to provide financial support for specialist treatment not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Citing alarming figures, Mahama noted that non-communicable diseases now account for over 40 percent of all deaths in Ghana. The cost of managing chronic conditions such as cancer or kidney failure is often devastating, pushing many families into poverty.
Estimates from teaching hospitals suggest that the average annual cost of NCD treatment per patient stands at GHC53,000 — approximately $3,300 — a sum beyond the reach of many low- and middle-income households.
‘Many Ghanaians are forced to sell their assets to pay for treatment. Some never recover financially, even after recovery from illness,’ Mahama said, sharing personal anecdotes of friends and loved ones lost to diseases that could have been better managed with timely financial and medical support.
Independent, transparent management
The fund, according to Mahama, will operate as an independent statutory trust governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by administrative staff, patient navigators, and third-party administrators. Funding sources will include an uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), voluntary contributions from corporations and individuals, and strategic investment returns.
Initial projections suggest the fund will require approximately GHC3 billion annually over the first three years.
Mahama also called on corporate Ghana — banks, mines, businesses — to allocate part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, highlighting that those helped by the fund are often their own clients, staff, and community members.
‘This initiative must not only survive but thrive. It is for our people — our clients, our workers, our loved ones. Corporate Ghana must be part of this effort,’ he said.
A launch rooted in hope
Describing the launch as a symbol of hope for thousands of Ghanaian families grappling with the overwhelming costs of chronic disease treatment, Mahama stressed the link between national health and national prosperity.
‘This is not merely a health imperative. It is essential for advancing economic growth, promoting social justice, and securing a sustainable future for our country,’ he said.
Mahama also praised contributions from professionals, religious leaders, development partners, and members of the national technical task force who helped turn the idea of the fund into a tangible reality.
‘Today, we are not just launching a fund. We are launching hope — hope for a future where life and health are not determined by one’s ability to pay,’ he declared.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund — Mahama Cares — will focus on supporting treatment costs not covered by NHIS, as well as progressively expanding to include palliative care, home-based support, and the management of complications from chronic conditions.
The fund is expected to provide crucial relief to thousands of Ghanaians who otherwise would face catastrophic healthcare expenses without adequate support.
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