Accra is currently assessing a new health financing proposal from Washington, following its rejection of an earlier draft. MyJoyOnline reported that the initial agreement was declined due to worries about Ghana’s sovereignty, regulatory control, and national interests. The new arrangement aims to succeed funding previously channeled through the United States Agency for International Development.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, stated that the government is avoiding a hasty deal to ensure the partnership respects local laws and fosters mutual respect rather than dependency. According to the report, the first proposal faced scrutiny by the Ministry of Health before reaching Cabinet, where specific clauses were flagged. A key issue involved a provision that would reportedly allow US pharmaceutical products to bypass verification by Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority. The minister questioned how such an exemption would impact the country’s ability to regulate medicines entering its system.
Officials also raised questions about data-sharing requirements with the US. Akandoh noted that distinguishing between individual records and aggregated data did not eliminate the need for careful scrutiny to protect national interests. He further expressed reservations about the compact’s framing, referencing the US administration’s “America First” policy and arguing that Ghana must center its own priorities in negotiations.
Speaking on Channel One TV on October 19, the minister explained that the government documented its concerns and presented them to Cabinet, following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive. The Health and Foreign Affairs ministries were then assigned to convey Ghana’s position to American counterparts. Washington has since submitted a new memorandum of understanding, which is currently being examined before a final Cabinet decision.
Akandoh emphasized that Ghana’s need for development partners would not force the government to accept unsuitable conditions. He stated, “We need partnership, but we need partnership with respect and dignity.” This move follows Mahama’s disclosure that Washington requested further engagement with Accra to revise or remove contentious provisions. The government indicates the revised document remains under consideration, with no final decision until Cabinet reviews it.