President John Dramani Mahama has announced major investments in Ghana’s healthcare system aimed at combating the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, warning that changing lifestyles are driving an explosion in chronic illnesses across the country.
Speaking at the Accra Reset High-Level Geneva Convening in Geneva, Mahama said the government’s new Ghana Medical Trust Fund, widely known as “Mahama Cares,” is designed to support citizens struggling with expensive long-term medical conditions.
“There’s an explosion of non-communicable diseases, mostly caused by lifestyle changes,” the President said.
According to him, modern urban lifestyles have significantly reduced physical activity while unhealthy eating habits continue to increase rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and cancers.
“We wake up in the morning, drive to work, sit in an air-conditioned office the whole day, then drive to the nearby pub,” Mahama remarked while illustrating how sedentary lifestyles are affecting public health.
Mahama Cares Targets Expensive Treatments
Mahama disclosed that government has committed approximately GH¢2.1 billion to the Mahama Cares initiative to help families facing catastrophic medical costs.
“In many households, if one of the members is afflicted by any of these diseases, it means running the whole household into poverty,” he said.
The President explained that the programme goes beyond financing treatment by also investing directly in healthcare infrastructure and specialised medical centres.
“It’s not just about having money to pay for treatment. In many cases, the treatment is not even available,” he noted.
Mahama revealed that after the programme was introduced, government discovered that Ghana’s five northern regions lacked a single cardiology centre.
As a result, Mahama Cares is now funding the construction of a specialised cardiac centre equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and catheterisation laboratories.
“We have to create more oncology centers so that people with cancers can have a cure,” he added.
Efficiency Now Key Focus
Despite the increased investment, Mahama stressed that improving efficiency within the healthcare system remains one of government’s biggest challenges.
“We must make sure that every cedi we spend, we get value for money,” he said.
The President estimated that the healthcare system currently operates below 50 per cent efficiency, meaning substantial financial resources are lost through inefficiencies.
“If we’re able to increase efficiency to 100 cents for every dollar, then we can spare more money to train personnel and build facilities. We are moving from speech to action.” - President Mahama
Mahama said the broader goal of the Accra Reset initiative is to move beyond speeches and declarations toward practical investments that improve healthcare outcomes across Africa.
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