Former Deputy Health Minister Alexander Akwasi Acquah has cautioned that Ghana is not yet prepared to disengage from donor support, warning that such a move could deepen existing challenges in the country’s health sector.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, the Member of Parliament and Health Committee member said an abrupt withdrawal from external assistance would expose significant weaknesses in Ghana’s health financing system.
His remarks follow renewed debate over the country’s readiness to fund critical health programmes independently, particularly after Ghana reportedly rejected a health deal with the United States.
Mr Acquah noted that even when aid is available, inefficiencies within the system hinder its effective use. He cited instances where medical supplies from foreign partners faced delays at ports due to taxation and administrative bottlenecks.
He further argued that Ghana’s commitment under the Abuja Declaration, which recommends allocating at least 15 percent of national budgets to health still assumes support from development partners.
According to him, the immediate priority should be addressing inefficiencies and waste within public sector spending, rather than cutting off external assistance.
Mr Acquah warned that the health sector is already experiencing strain due to declining donor inflows, particularly following reduced support from the United States. He said some programmes that previously relied heavily on such aid are now under pressure.
He also revealed that recent engagements with the Ghana Health Service highlighted potential risks if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen health financing.
While acknowledging that some donor agencies remain committed, Mr Acquah said the situation presents an opportunity for Ghana to reassess its approach and develop more sustainable domestic funding sources.
He stressed that any transition away from donor dependence must be gradual and carefully managed to avoid undermining healthcare delivery.
