Suspension of USAID programme: Mahama directs Finance Minister to urgently address $156m funding deficit

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take urgent steps to address the funding gap created by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme.

A statement from the Presidency on Tuesday, February 11, indicated the President’s deep concern over the funding deficit of about $156 million, and warned that the development could have negative impacts on critical health and social intervention programmes.

Urgency
“Of particular urgency is a $78.2 million shortfall, which threatens essential services such as malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition.
The funding gap also jeopardizes Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS by restricting access to antiretroviral drugs, testing, and preventive measures,” the statement said.

Read full statement