The Presidency has officially handed over GH¢6,102,737.80 to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, fulfilling a commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama and government appointees to support Ghanaians battling life-threatening and chronic illnesses.
The contribution, presented on behalf of the President and government appointees by Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, is the first major salary-based donation to the Fund since its launch and is expected to provide financial relief for patients requiring specialist medical care that remains beyond the reach of many families.
The donation follows a pledge made by President Mahama at the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares,” at the University of Ghana Medical Centre in April 2025.
At the time, the President committed six months of his basic salary to the initiative and called on all political appointees to contribute one month’s salary to support the Fund.
More than a Financial Gesture
Presenting the cheque, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described the contribution as more than a financial gesture, emphasizing its significance in providing hope and support to vulnerable citizens facing serious health challenges.
Hon. Bampoe Addo mention that for many families, the cost of specialist treatment has become overwhelming, often forcing them to sell assets, deplete savings, or rely on public appeals to finance medical care.
The donation represents a collective effort by the Presidency to stand with citizens who are struggling to afford treatment for chronic and non-communicable diseases.
“This contribution represents more than a financial donation. It is a lifeline for thousands of Ghanaians battling serious non-communicable diseases and struggling to afford specialist treatment.”
Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo
Hon. Bampoe Addo further stressed that supporting citizens confronted with severe health conditions should not be left to the government alone but must become a shared national responsibility involving individuals, institutions, faith-based organisations, and the corporate sector.
Hon. Bampoe Addo therefore appealed to businesses and well-meaning Ghanaians to support the Fund to ensure that more patients receive timely treatment and care.
A Strong Demonstration of Leadership
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, expressed appreciation for what she described as a strong demonstration of leadership, solidarity, and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Ghanaians.
She said the contribution would strengthen the Fund’s capacity to support patients requiring expensive specialist interventions, including cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, cardiovascular care, and other critical medical procedures.
“The support from the Presidency sends a powerful message that the welfare of vulnerable citizens remains a national priority. This contribution will help bring relief and hope to many families facing difficult medical circumstances,”
Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Administrator, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established by the Mahama administration to provide financial assistance for the treatment of chronic diseases and other serious medical conditions that are not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The initiative was introduced as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare financing and improve access to specialist treatment for vulnerable citizens.
Mahama Cares Target Treatment of Chronic Illness
At its launch, President Mahama described the Fund as a critical intervention designed to reduce the financial burden associated with chronic illnesses such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions.
The Fund also aims to support investments in health infrastructure, specialist training, medical equipment, and research to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
Government records indicate that the GH¢6.1 million contribution was generated through salary deductions from President Mahama and political appointees in fulfilment of their pledge to support the initiative.
The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department facilitated the transfer following directives issued by the President after the Fund’s launch.
Health experts have repeatedly highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Ghana, noting that many patients face significant financial barriers when seeking specialist treatment.
Conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease often require long-term and expensive care that places enormous strain on households.
For many patients awaiting chemotherapy, dialysis, life-saving surgeries, and other critical interventions, the contribution is expected to provide renewed hope and improve access to treatment.
Hon. Bampoe Addo underscored the broader significance of the donation, stating that its true value would be measured not by the amount contributed but by the lives impacted.
“The impact of this contribution will not be measured only in cedis and pesewas. It will be measured in lives saved, treatments accessed, families relieved and futures restored.”
Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo
She added that while the Presidency had fulfilled its pledge, the responsibility of supporting the Fund extends beyond government. “Today, the Presidency has answered the call.
The invitation is still open for all Ghanaians to do the same.” The donation marks another step in efforts to mobilise national support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as it seeks to provide sustainable assistance to patients requiring specialist medical care and ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to survival.
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