Patients living with long-term and non-communicable illnesses such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes can now apply for financial assistance under MahamaCares, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. The government has confirmed that the programme is now fully active.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh made the announcement on Monday, December 1, 2025, during the Government Accountability Series in Accra, noting that disbursements to eligible beneficiaries have already started.
“MahamaCares is no longer a promise. It is happening. The secretariat is fully operational, and disbursements have already begun,” he said.
According to him, applications submitted by specialist doctors will be processed promptly.
“Once a specialist doctor applies on behalf of a patient, the secretariat will respond within 14 days,” he stated.
He explained that the arrangement is designed to minimise delays in treatment for patients managing chronic conditions. The Fund has so far been allocated about GH₵2.3 billion.
MahamaCares was introduced in April 2025, with Parliament later approving the governing legislation in July 2025. The initiative is intended to provide financial support for conditions that are not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“We have established the board and secretariat, and they are now fully functional. This is the base that helps applications to be processed quickly and for money to reach patients,” Mr Akandoh added.
