Speaking on JoyNews Prime on Monday, Dr Agyemang said the Minority’s hesitation stems from questions surrounding the scheme’s funding framework. “We are not opposing the numbers. However, our point has to do with the source of funding.”

“The main statutory source of funding outlined in the report submitted to parliament is that they are going to save 20% of the National Health Insurance levy to finance non-communicable diseases. Why are you in a rush? Why do you rush to bring a bill that is already catered for under the National Health Insurance? This is something that we have to caution Ghanaians because it is an ingenious way to take from an existing provision to finance another thing that can be effectively catered for under the primary provision, which is the National Health Insurance law,” the MP argued.

Parliament passed the MahamaCare Bill into law on Monday, July 21, under a certificate of urgency, fast-tracking the legislative process to fulfil a key campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama.

The initiative seeks to provide free healthcare for individuals suffering from chronic conditions, particularly targeting low-income and vulnerable groups who are unable to bear the costs of long-term medical care.

MahamaCare is expected to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) by addressing gaps in chronic disease management, especially for ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease, which impose a heavy burden on families and the healthcare system.

Dr Agyeman emphasised that despite the expedited passage, the Minority is only calling for a more transparent financing model, cautioning that without adequate budgetary allocation or innovative funding streams, the programme’s implementation could falter.

Source: myjoyonline

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The Eastern Region, where the constituency is located, has seen the pollution and depletion of many of its once-reliable water sources due to unregulated mining operations.

Speaking in a recent interview, Dr. Agyemang highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that several communities are struggling to access clean water for both domestic and commercial use. He singled out Asiakwa as the hardest-hit community.

“The situation in Asiakwa is dire. There is no water in the area, and residents now rely entirely on sachet water,” he said.

“My father, who is the chief farmer there, depends on sachet water every week just to mix medicine for spraying his farm. That shows how serious things have become.”

Dr. Agyemang revealed that rivers such as Supon and Afrancho, which once served as crucial water sources, have either dried up or become severely polluted.

He stressed that the consequences are especially alarming for Asiakwa, which serves as the municipality’s largest market hub.

“Even animals can’t find water to drink. This is not a political issue—it’s not about the NPP or NDC. We are all to blame,” he emphasised.

“Just last month, I facilitated the drilling of a mechanised borehole in the area. Children now have to walk long distances just to fetch water from it.”

Despite the grim circumstances, Dr. Agyemang reaffirmed his commitment to finding long-term solutions. He underscored the need to act within the confines of the law and urged residents to take an active role in safeguarding local natural resources.

“We will do our best to resolve the water crisis. This issue cannot be ignored. But the people of Asiakwa must also understand that no one is above the law,” he added.

Dr. Agyemang concluded by assuring the community of ongoing efforts to identify and develop more sustainable water sources, including additional mechanised boreholes, to help ease the strain caused by galamsey activities.

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