Mahama Cares’ Seeks National House of Chiefs’ Support
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), popularly known as Mahama Cares, has appealed to the National House of Chiefs to partner with government in promoting awareness of the Fund and expanding access to specialised healthcare for Ghanaians living with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, and members of the House by the Board and Management of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
The delegation was led by Board Chairperson Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku and included representatives of the Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Hafiz Adams. Also present were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, and the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, who represented Ghana’s 16 Regional Ministers.
Addressing the chiefs, Ms. Darko-Opoku described the chieftaincy institution as a trusted pillar of national development whose influence is vital to the success of the Trust Fund.
She noted that although Ghana has made significant progress in healthcare delivery, chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and sickle cell disease continue to place unbearable financial burdens on many families.
According to her, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established by President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied access to life-saving specialised healthcare because of financial hardship.
She explained that the Fund focuses on four key areas: financial support for patients, investment in healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment, training of specialist health professionals, and support for medical research.
Ms. Darko-Opoku disclosed that since the passage of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1144), the Secretariat and Board have been established, nationwide needs assessments completed, and a digital platform introduced to process patient applications and claims efficiently.
She added that the Trust Fund is facilitating the establishment of three state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratories (Cath Labs) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital to improve specialised cardiac care.
She appealed to chiefs to support regional education campaigns, mobilise their communities and encourage eligible persons to access the Fund.
Representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Hafiz Adams said traditional leaders remain indispensable partners in government’s drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
He explained that government’s healthcare financing strategy comprises Free Primary Healthcare, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which provides financial support for specialised treatments that many families cannot afford.
Dr. Adams urged chiefs to use their influence to promote early health-seeking behaviour, encourage early diagnosis and ensure that vulnerable people benefit from the intervention.
Speaking on behalf of Ghana’s 16 Regional Ministers, Dr. Frank Amoakohene reaffirmed the commitment of regional ministers to supporting the decentralisation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund through the local government system.
He said non-communicable diseases account for about 75 per cent of deaths globally and nearly 45 per cent of deaths in Ghanaian hospitals, highlighting the need for sustainable financing of specialised healthcare.
Drawing on his experience as a medical doctor, Dr. Amoakohene recounted how many families had sold properties and other valuable assets to pay for dialysis and other expensive treatments.
He said the Trust Fund was established to bridge that financial gap by supporting patients with illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension and neurological disorders that are not fully covered by the NHIS.
The Board Chairperson expressed appreciation to Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II and members of the National House of Chiefs for the warm reception and appealed for their continued guidance and partnership.
She expressed confidence that collaboration between government and traditional authorities would strengthen public awareness, improve access to specialised healthcare and bring hope to thousands of Ghanaian families battling chronic illnesses.
