Accra: The Ghana NCD Alliance, in conjunction with People Living with Non-Communicable Diseases and Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for the introduction of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as 'MahamaCares.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the organizations described the President's initiative as a significant humanitarian commitment. In a joint statement, they emphasized that President Mahama's decision to donate six months of his salary as seed funding demonstrates a deep understanding of the pressing non-communicable disease crisis in Ghana.
During the official launch on April 29, 2025, President Mahama addressed the burgeoning public health threat posed by NCDs, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney and heart diseases, and stroke. He called on corporate entities in Ghana to integrate this urgent national priority into their corporate social responsibility strategies.
The statement further revealed that President Mahama has mandated all government appointees to contribute one month of their salaries to the MahamaCares Fund, reflecting his strong commitment to the cause.
Ms. Martha Coffie, a person living with multiple NCDs, highlighted that President Mahama's personal account of his chronic illness transforms statistics into tangible stories, underscoring the immediate reality of NCDs. She noted that his testimonial serves as a powerful advocacy tool, humanizing the often abstract burden of these diseases and urging collective action.
Ms. Coffie stressed that while MahamaCares marks a pivotal moment in Ghana's quest for Universal Health Coverage, the initiative should not solely focus on curative care. She advocated for preventive measures, such as public education on NCD risk factors, regular health screenings, and fiscal policies like excise tax increases on harmful products, to alleviate long-term pressure on the fund.
She proposed that a portion of excise tax revenue be allocated to MahamaCares, creating a sustainable funding pipeline. This approach aligns with international models like the U.S. Affordable Care Act, which emphasizes preventive care and equitable access.
Mr. Essel Francis Cudjoe, living with diabetes, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for initiating a supportive fund and highlighted the importance of prioritizing NCD prevention. He extended thanks to all contributors, including Cal Bank, retired medical professionals, and technical teams, for their roles in actualizing this initiative.
As the global community gears up for the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in September 2025, Ghana's proactive approach through MahamaCares could exemplify national leadership in achieving global NCD targets. The statement concluded with a call for all citizens to support the initiative, emphasizing the critical need for early detection, prevention, and treatment of NCDs.