The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares,” has received a significant financial injection following the fulfilment of salary donation pledges made by the President and his executive appointees.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the Controller and Accountant-General has officially notified the administration of the successful deduction and transfer of GHS 6.1 million into the fund’s accounts.
This substantial figure represents the first major wave of contributions resulting from a series of directives aimed at bolstering the nation’s healthcare safety net.
The initiative gained momentum last year during the fund’s official launch, where President Mahama set a personal example by pledging to donate six months of his private salary to the cause.
Following this lead, the President encouraged all political appointees to contribute at least one month of their earnings to support the medical trust.
The total amount also includes more stringent financial penalties directed at members of the executive. In a move to enforce transparency and administrative discipline, the President previously ordered that any appointee who failed to meet the initial deadline for the mandatory declaration of assets would forfeit three months of their salary.
These forfeited funds were earmarked specifically for the Mahama Cares initiative, turning a matter of internal compliance into a public benefit.
While the current transfer of GHS 6.1 million marks a major milestone for the trust, further deposits are expected shortly.
The Controller and Accountant-General is reportedly finalising the necessary arrangements to transfer the final tranche of funds.
This concluding payment will specifically cover the deductions taken from those appointees who defaulted on the asset declaration timeline, ensuring that the President’s directive is fully realised.
The statement read “At the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) last year, President Mahama pledged to donate 6 months of his salary to the Fund.
Subsequently, he encouraged his appointees to donate one month salary each to the Fund. He then ordered appointees who defaulted on his first deadline for Asset declaration to forfeit 3 months Salary to be donated to the Fund.
The Controller and Accountant- General has formally notified Government that he has deducted and transfered a total of GHS 6.1 million to the Fund pursuant to the President’s directive.
He is currently making arrangements to transfer the final tranche which will cover the Asset declaration defaulters.”
About MahamaCares
Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, is a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.
The Fund seeks to cover the costs of care and medication for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
In doing so, it complements the NHIS by supporting critical aspects of these conditions.
Additionally, the Fund will invest in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to enhance access to quality healthcare.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana