Abuakwa South MP, Kingsley Agyemang, has raised concerns about the government’s proposed Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly referred to as “MahamaCares,” questioning whether the initiative can effectively address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered by John Dramani Mahama, the lawmaker argued that the government’s response to the NCD crisis does not appear proportionate to the scale of the challenge outlined by the president.
According to Mr. Agyemang, the president acknowledged in his address that one out of every two deaths in Ghana is caused by non-communicable diseases, describing the situation as a serious public health concern. However, he maintained that the main solution proposed in the address—the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund—may not be enough to tackle the problem.
“If you are confronted with a situation where one out of every two deaths in this country is from NCDs, then you have a huge problem,” he told Parliament.
Concerns Over Funding Structure
Mr. Agyemang criticised the proposed funding structure of the Mahama-Cares initiative, claiming that a substantial portion of the resources would come from already existing health financing streams, including funds linked to the National Health Insurance Scheme.
He cautioned that redirecting funds from existing sources could place additional strain on the current healthcare financing system instead of strengthening it.
The MP questioned the long-term sustainability of the policy, asking how government intends to address a major public health crisis by relying heavily on resources from a fund that is already under pressure.
Criticism Of Government Policy Progress
The Abuakwa South MP also used the debate to question the pace of implementation of key government policies. Referring to a metaphor used in the president’s address that “the nation is on the runway and in take-off mode,” Mr. Agyemang said the remark suggested that progress has been slow.
He noted that major initiatives outlined in the governing party’s manifesto, including the “Big Push” infrastructure programme and the proposed 24-hour economy policy, are yet to deliver the expected results.
According to him, more than a year into the administration, the government appears to still be “taxiing on the runway” rather than producing tangible outcomes.
Call For Stronger Health Interventions
While acknowledging the importance of improving access to healthcare, Mr. Agyemang stressed that addressing non-communicable diseases requires broader systemic interventions.
He suggested that stronger preventive healthcare policies, improved medical infrastructure and more sustainable funding models are necessary to effectively tackle the crisis.
The MP warned that without a comprehensive strategy, Ghana could struggle to reduce deaths linked to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer, which form a significant part of the country’s NCD burden.
Debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address is expected to continue in Parliament in the coming days as lawmakers assess the government’s policy direction and economic plans.
