According to Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to President Mahama and Presidential Adviser, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, initiative is a “game changer in Ghana’s healthcare landscape”.
It aims to provide critical financial support for the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, kidney failure requiring dialysis, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease.
These conditions are among the leading causes of death and financial hardship for Ghanaian families.
Mogtari emphasized that what makes Mahama Cares exceptional is its focus on healthcare equity, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind due to the inability to pay for life-saving care.
“By uncapping the NHIS levy, the fund unlocks substantial resources to prevent financial devastation for families confronting overwhelming medical bills, ensuring that no Ghanaian has to choose between health and economic stability.”
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
The MahamaCares initiative is set to transform Ghana’s healthcare system by addressing gaps in the treatment of chronic diseases that are not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Launched on April 29, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, the fund represents a bold step toward building a more equitable and sustainable health system.
To demonstrate his personal commitment to the initiative, President Mahama pledged six months of his presidential salary to help launch the fund.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari explained that this symbolic act was meant to inspire confidence and encourage other stakeholders to get involved.
“President Mahama… [appealed] to corporate Ghana for contributions through corporate social responsibility, fostering a collaborative model that leverages public-private partnerships.”
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
The President’s approach aims to build a national sense of shared responsibility, where government, businesses, and individuals work together to create lasting solutions for Ghana’s most pressing health challenges.
Establishing a Legal Framework for Sustainability
To ensure the fund’s long-term success, a task force was inaugurated in March 2025 to develop a robust legal framework.
This framework will enshrine Mahama Cares as a statutory entity, guaranteeing nationwide access to services and preventing future political interference.
Mogtari highlighted that this step is crucial for building a sustainable health financing system, especially in underserved and rural communities where access to early screening and treatment remains limited.
The fund’s structure will also focus on proactive healthcare, prioritizing early detection and prevention over costly late-stage treatments.
This approach has the potential to significantly reduce the burden on hospitals and improve health outcomes across the country.
“Leading this initiative is Ms. Oboubia Darko-Opoku, whose exceptional leadership and deep expertise in administration are bringing efficiency, vision, and credibility to the fund.”
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
According to Mogtari, Darko-Opoku’s strategic foresight and dedication to operational excellence are expected to ensure that Mahama Cares not only delivers immediate results but also remains effective for future generations.
Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing trust among stakeholders and driving rapid progress in the fund’s early stages.
Addressing Ghana’s Rising Health Crisis With Mahama Cares
Non-communicable diseases are a growing threat to public health in Ghana, accounting for an increasing percentage of deaths and straining the economy.
Many families are forced into poverty due to the high cost of treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy.
Mogtari pointed out that Mahama Cares represents a paradigm shift, changing Ghana’s healthcare system to emphasize prevention, early intervention, and equity.
“In a country where NCDs account for a growing share of mortality and economic strain, Mahama Cares redefines the approach to healthcare – shifting from reactive to proactive, and embodying both compassion and resilience.”
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
President Mahama has described the initiative as more than just a healthcare program, calling it a “beacon of hope” that can avert a dialysis crisis and build a sustainable, inclusive healthcare system for generations to come.
Since its launch, Mahama Cares has been widely welcomed by Ghanaians as a bold and compassionate step toward solving one of the country’s most urgent problems.
Mogtari noted that public contributions and corporate donations will play a crucial role in expanding the fund’s reach and impact.
She urged individuals, businesses, and organizations to actively support the initiative, emphasizing that “health is indeed wealth.”
Looking ahead, the success of Mahama Cares will depend on continuous collaboration between the government, private sector players, and communities.
With strong leadership, sustainable financing, and public trust, the initiative has the potential to transform Ghana’s healthcare landscape and offer a model for other African nations.
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