Read Akandoh's justification for US health deal rejection

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has explained Ghana’s decision to turn down a proposed health agreement with the United States.

He stated that the deal reflects a deliberate policy shift toward reducing reliance on external aid and strengthening domestic healthcare financing.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com on May 5, 2026, he said the decision forms part of government’s broader "health sovereignty" agenda, which seeks to build a more self-reliant and sustainable health system while maintaining partnerships that align with national priorities.

Speaking at the launch of the Regional Health, Nutrition and Population Strategy in Accra, organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Bank, Akandoh said Ghana is focusing on increasing its own investment in the health sector.

According to him, the government has prioritised funding for essential public health interventions, particularly vaccines, which he described as critical to national development.

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“Investing in vaccines is non-negotiable because it is a public good,” he said.

He further noted that resources from the National Health Insurance Authority levy are being reinvested into strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding infrastructure, and supporting ongoing reforms in the sector.

Akandoh also indicated that Ghana is gradually scaling down reliance on donor-supported programmes, including assistance from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as part of efforts to build long-term financial sustainability in healthcare.

He stressed that health sovereignty does not imply isolation, but rather the ability of the country to take full ownership of its health system and financing decisions.

Akandoh expressed confidence that the policy direction would improve healthcare delivery, expand access to services, and enhance Ghana’s resilience to global funding challenges.

MRA/VPO

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