Ghana Must Fund Its Own Health System As Donor Support Dries Up, Finance Ministry Warns

Ghana's Finance Ministry has sounded the alarm over shrinking international donor support, warning that the country must take greater responsibility for financing its own healthcare system. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 CHAG Annual Conference in Koforidua, Dr Theo Acheampong, a Technical Advisor at the Ministry, delivered remarks on behalf of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

Dr Acheampong told delegates that the global development financing environment is shifting rapidly, with overseas aid becoming harder to come by. "Development assistance is becoming increasingly constrained, and Ghana is already experiencing the effects of declining overseas development support," he said, stressing the need for stronger domestic systems, improved public financing and greater accountability.

The Ministry identified the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) as an indispensable partner in navigating this challenge. Dr Acheampong praised the association's nationwide reach, its deep roots in rural communities and the public trust it has built over decades. "Government cannot achieve this vision alone. We need CHAG. Together, we have the opportunity to build one of Africa's strongest community-based healthcare systems," he said.

Government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring CHAG facilities benefit equitably from equipment and infrastructure investments under the Free Primary Health Care programme. Reforms to strengthen the financial sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme are also underway, with Parliament having approved GH¢10.7 billion for the NHIS in 2025 — including GH¢6.5 billion earmarked for provider claims.

CHAG currently operates 375 health facilities across all 16 regions of Ghana, delivering between 30 and 40 per cent of the country's healthcare services despite controlling only about seven per cent of national health infrastructure. Its network serves between eight and ten million patients each year, making it one of government's most vital partners in reaching underserved communities.

The Finance Ministry said the path forward would require innovative financing instruments, stronger public-private partnerships and greater mobilisation of private capital to complement government investment — all aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage for Ghana.