Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been instructed by President John Dramani Mahama to act quickly to close the funding gap caused by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program’s suspension.
In a statement released on February 11, the Presidency expressed Mahama’s profound worry about the projected $156 million shortfall and cautioned about its possible effects on vital social and health intervention initiatives.
A $78.2 million shortfall is especially urgent because it jeopardizes vital services like nutrition, family planning, reproductive health, maternal and child healthcare, and malaria prevention.
The lack of funding also puts Ghana’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS at risk by limiting access to testing, antiretroviral medications, and preventative measures.
Below is the full statement
