Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide and Presidential Adviser to former President John Dramani Mahama, has hailed the Mahama Cares initiative as a “game changer in Ghana’s healthcare landscape.”
The fund, officially known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, is designed to provide vital financial assistance for the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, kidney failure, and cardiovascular diseases, which are leading causes of death and financial hardship in Ghana.
A New Approach to Healthcare Equity
According to Mogtari, the fund’s main strength is its commitment to healthcare equity. By uncapping the NHIS levy, the initiative aims to unlock significant resources to help families facing massive medical bills. This ensures that no Ghanaian is forced to choose between their health and financial stability.
The Mahama Cares fund was launched on April 29, 2025, by President Mahama as a solution to gaps in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that often leave patients with chronic illnesses without adequate coverage.
To demonstrate his personal commitment, President Mahama pledged his first six months of presidential salary to the fund, a symbolic act intended to encourage others to contribute.
He has since appealed to corporate Ghana to support the initiative through their corporate social responsibility programs, fostering a collaborative model that involves public-private partnerships.
Ensuring Sustainability and Preventing Interference
To guarantee the fund’s long-term success, a task force was established in March 2025 to create a robust legal framework. This framework will make Mahama Cares a statutory entity, ensuring nationwide access to its services and protecting it from future political interference.
Mogtari emphasized that this step is crucial for building a sustainable health financing system, especially in rural and underserved communities where early screening and treatment are often limited.
The fund also plans to focus on proactive healthcare, prioritizing early detection and prevention over expensive, late-stage treatments.
Leading with Vision and Credibility
The Mahama Cares initiative is led by Ms. Oboubia Darko-Opoku, whose “exceptional leadership” is bringing “efficiency, vision, and credibility to the fund,” Mogtari stated.
Darko-Opoku’s strategic foresight is expected to ensure the fund not only achieves immediate results but also remains effective for future generations. Her leadership has been instrumental in building trust among stakeholders and driving the fund’s rapid progress in its early stages.
A Paradigm Shift for Ghana’s Health System
With NCDs becoming an increasing threat to public health and the economy, Mahama Cares represents a paradigm shift. Mogtari noted that the fund is changing Ghana’s healthcare system from a reactive to a proactive model, embodying both “compassion and resilience.”
President Mahama has called the initiative a “beacon of hope” that can avert a dialysis crisis and build a sustainable, inclusive healthcare system.
Since its launch, the fund has been widely welcomed by Ghanaians. Mogtari urged individuals, businesses, and organizations to actively support the initiative, reiterating that “health is indeed wealth.”
The success of Mahama Cares will depend on continuous collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities.
With strong leadership, sustainable funding, and public trust, the initiative has the potential to transform Ghana’s healthcare landscape and serve as a model for other African nations.