The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting citizens battling chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. The fund, branded as Mahama Cares, was unveiled during a ceremony at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.
President Mahama Donates Half of His Salary
To underscore his commitment, President Mahama pledged 50% of his annual salary to the fund, becoming its first major donor. In his address, he explained that the initiative was deeply personal, shaped by the loss of his father to prostate cancer in 2001 and his mother to hypertension-related complications in 2016. He also cited the struggles of a staff member whose child requires weekly dialysis treatment.
“This is not just policy; it’s personal. I know what it feels like to lose a loved one due to lack of access to critical care,” the President said. “Through this fund, we aim to give every Ghanaian—regardless of income—a fighting chance.”
Supporting Patients with Chronic Conditions
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund will provide sustained financial support to patients suffering from kidney failure, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other high-cost, long-term health conditions. The fund is designed to ease the burden on families and improve access to life-saving treatment.
A Call to Corporate Ghana
President Mahama appealed to the private sector, development partners, and philanthropists to join the effort. He urged companies across banking, mining, telecommunications, and other sectors to consider directing a portion of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets to the fund.
“Many of the people this fund will support are your employees, your customers, your neighbors. As part of your CSR, consider giving to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. It’s one of the most impactful contributions you can make,” he stated.
Advancing Healthcare Equity
The Mahama Cares initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen healthcare equity and expand access to quality medical care for vulnerable and underserved populations. It also aligns with Ghana’s long-term health strategy and social protection agenda.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of the fund, the government hopes to mobilize sustained public and private sector support. As President Mahama leads by example with his personal donation, the success of the initiative now depends on collective national effort.
“This is a call to compassion and shared responsibility,” President Mahama concluded. “Together, we can build a health system that truly leaves no one behind.”