Finance Minister to address USAID funding crisis

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to take immediate steps to address the funding shortfall caused by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme.

The suspension has created a $156 million deficit, threatening critical health and social intervention programs.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President expressed deep concern over the financial gap, particularly the $78.2 million shortfall affecting key healthcare services. Essential interventions such as malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition face imminent disruptions due to the funding cut.

The President also highlighted the impact on Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS, warning that access to antiretroviral drugs, testing, and preventive measures could be significantly hindered. To prevent a healthcare crisis, Mahama has instructed the Finance Ministry to implement urgent interventions and secure alternative funding to sustain essential services.

The future of USAID, the primary international aid agency of the United States, remains uncertain as President Donald Trump moves to merge it with the U.S. Department of State. Since his return to office, Trump has taken aggressive steps to scale back foreign aid, forcing the agency to recall its staff from missions worldwide.

On February 9, Trump reiterated his stance on Truth Social, calling USAID’s spending “totally unexplainable” and demanding its closure. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who is working with the White House to reduce federal spending, has also called USAID “a criminal organization” and claims Trump has agreed to dismantle it.

However, neither Trump nor Musk has provided evidence to support these allegations, and legal challenges to the agency’s shutdown are expected.

As Trump moves forward with plans to restructure USAID, the fate of U.S. international aid remains uncertain, raising concerns about the future of global health and humanitarian efforts.

Read the statement below: 

President Mahama directs Finance Minister to urgently bridge USAID funding gap.

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take urgent steps to bridge the funding gap arising out of the suspension of the USAID’s international funding program.

The President expressed deep concern over the funding gap estimated at $156 million.

Of particular concern to the President, is the impact of the projected $78.2 million shortfall that will adversely impact such critical interventions as malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS under which the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing, and prevention programs are threatened.

The President has requested that the bridging arrangements focus on these priority areas to mitigate any deleterious effects occasioned by the USAID funding disruptions.

Felix KwakyeOfosu, MP.

Spokesperson to the President,

Minister, Government Communications.