Ghana Seeks Solutions After Losing $156M in USAID Funding
Ghana is facing a $156 million budget shortfall following the United States’ freeze on USAID funding, a move that has disrupted critical health and agriculture programs.
The government of President John Mahama has tasked Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson with finding alternative funding sources to offset the impact of the sudden withdrawal of American aid.
Impact on Key Sectors
For years, USAID played a crucial role in supporting Ghana’s healthcare and agriculture sectors. Notable initiatives included:
- A national surveillance system for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Programs to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian agricultural firms in regional and global markets
With USAID funds now frozen, Ghana must urgently restructure its budget to sustain these vital programs.
A Global Fallout
The US crackdown on USAID has sent shockwaves worldwide, with many nations struggling to compensate for the loss of development and humanitarian aid. Ghana is among several affected countries now exploring alternative funding partnerships.
The Mahama administration is expected to engage multilateral organizations and private sector partners to bridge the funding gap while ensuring minimal disruption to essential services.
source: africanews