The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.

The Fund seeks to cover the cost of care and medication for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thereby complementing it by supporting critical aspects of these conditions.

 Additionally, the Fund will invest in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to enhance access to quality healthcare.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch ceremony, President Mahama described the Fund as a vital component of his administration’s broader agenda to build a resilient and inclusive health system. 

He emphasized that MahamaCares is designed to support specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, among others.

The President underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of income or location, has access to essential healthcare.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, hailed the initiative as a groundbreaking intervention that reflects the President’s deep empathy for individuals burdened by chronic NCDs.

 He described MahamaCares as a bold step toward greater equity and compassion in healthcare financing.

The Minister called on all heads of agencies under the Ministry of Health, as well as collaborating institutions critical to the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, to offer their full support. 

“Together, we can ensure the successful realization of this transformative, life-changing initiative,” he stated.

He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all Ghanaians and identified the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a key instrument in achieving that vision.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, civil society, and development partners.

Ghana post, an agency under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has been designated as the courier service provider for the new chip-embedded passports. 

The passports feature enhanced security and comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.

 Ghana Post will deliver the passports within 15 days of application and applicants without home addresses can collect them at nearby Ghana Post offices. 

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George (MP) joined the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at the launch of the new chip-embedded passport held at the passport office headquarters in Accra.

Mr.Samuel Nartey George indicated that Ghana posts role in passport delivery aims to ensure secure and efficient delivery of passports to citizens. 

He stated, that with Ghana post logistics expertise they can track, prevent losses and provide timely update when the need arises”. 

“This partnership will enhance the overall passport application experience, ensuring citizens receive their documents safely and efficiently”, he added.