Ghana's President Mahama discusses $154 million US aid cut and healthcare financing at Chatham House
via GhanaWeb2 min read
President John Dramani Mahama addressed an international audience at Chatham House on June 1, 2026, discussing the abrupt withdrawal of $154 million in annual development assistance from the United States. This cut, which included approximately $75 million for healthcare infrastructure, forced Ghana to restructure its domestic health financing. President Mahama stated that the USAID cut, which impacted critical areas like HIV testing, antiretroviral supply, malaria fight, and research institutions, was unexpected. To counter this, his administration repealed the "capping and alignment law," which freed up over 3 billion Cedis approximately $300 million for the National Health Insurance Fund NHIF, enabling it to cover the USAID funding shortfall. He noted that while Ghana managed to stabilize its healthcare deficit, smaller African nations like The Gambia are struggling with similar funding changes. President Mahama also highlighted Africa's sovereign debt crisis, where countries spend a significant portion of their revenue on debt servicing, leaving little for human capital investment. He urged African nations to embrace self-reliance, reduce waste, improve governance, and combat corruption, referencing the "Accra Resolution" as a strategic framework for the continent.
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J A Plant Pool GH Limited JAPP and its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, have rejected claims by the Attorney General that the company owes the Government of Ghana US$2 million under the District Road Improvement Programme DRIP. The company issued a statement on June 2, 2026, announcing its intention to challenge the legal action and defend itself in court. This follows a suit filed by the Attorney General to recover the alleged amount. JAPP expressed concern that details of the suit were widely circulated in the media before the company and Dr. Agyepong were formally served, causing damage to their reputation and that of the Jospong Group of Companies. JAPP categorically denies any indebtedness to the Government of Ghana arising from the contract dated February 12, 2024, executed under the DRIP program. The company explained that the contract, for the procurement of machinery and equipment at a cost of US$178.7 million, received approval from the Public Procurement Authority PPA on January 10, 2024. JAPP stated that it has fully delivered all required machines and equipment and that all payments were made according to the contract terms. JAPP described the Attorney General’s action as being in bad faith and has instructed its lawyers to challenge the suit. The company also urged the public to disregard any suggestions of wrongdoing and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and lawful business practices.
Must ReadSpeaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for urgent discussions with the leadership of both the Majority and Minority caucuses following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. Speaking to the media on June 1, 2026, Bagbin emphasized the need for broad consultation due to the bill's significance. He stated that the bill touches upon international commitments, human rights issues, and Ghana’s cultural values, necessitating careful examination of all concerns. Bagbin also mentioned that lawmakers must consider Ghana’s traditions and values before approving the bill. He expressed surprise at the speed of the bill's passage on Friday, as he had expected Parliament to only begin the consideration stage. The Speaker indicated he learned of the bill's passage through media reports. The Minority caucus has reportedly rejected the bill, accusing the government of altering its initial contents.
Must ReadSpeaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed surprise at the rapid passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Speaking in Accra on Monday, June 1, 2026, Bagbin stated he had not anticipated the bill's quick approval, expecting it to remain at the consideration stage. He mentioned that he had left instructions for the consideration process before attending to other activities and was surprised to learn of its passage. Bagbin detailed extensive consultations undertaken for the bill, involving international human rights instruments, development partners, and Ghanaian cultural values. He announced plans to meet with House leadership to address disagreements and ensure national consensus for effective implementation. This marks the second time Parliament has passed the bill; the first passage in 2024 was not assented to by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The reintroduced bill included amendments that the Minority Caucus opposed, arguing they implied flaws in the original version. These amendments exempt individuals providing legal advice or representation, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and medical professionals offering services to LGBTQ+ persons from punishment under the law.
Must ReadThe Ghana Immigration Service GIS has repatriated 105 foreign nationals after an intelligence-led operation in Asankragwa on May 20, 2026, rescued 112 suspected trafficking victims. The raid, conducted by the Asankragwa Sector Command, targeted premises associated with commercial sex activities. Initial screening identified 110 Nigerians, one Beninese, and one Cameroonian, all female and aged between 12 and 38. These individuals were moved to a holding center in the Greater Accra Region for further processing. Investigations by the Anti-Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons unit confirmed 105 victims and identified seven suspects. The GIS National Operations Department, in collaboration with relevant embassies and community representatives, facilitated the safe return of the 105 victims. The seven suspects remain under investigation for potential prosecution. Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, urged foreign nationals to comply with local laws and reiterated the Service's dedication to combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational crime with other security agencies.