MahamaCares Initiative Begins Payouts as Government Sets 14-day Response Time for Applications

MahamaCares has officially begun disbursing funds, with the government guaranteeing a 14-day response time for applications submitted by specialist doctors. The initiative, formally known as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, marks a major step in Ghana’s healthcare financing, targeting chronic and non-communicable diseases that have long burdened citizens.

On December 1, 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that the MahamaCares programme is now fully operational, with payouts already underway. The Fund, allocated approximately GH₵2.3 billion, is designed to provide financial relief to patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, kidney failure, and stroke.

“This is no longer a promise. It is happening. The secretariat is fully operational, and disbursements have already begun,” Mr. Akandoh declared during the Government Accountability Series in Accra.

Key Features of the Programme

Application Process: Only specialist doctors can submit applications on behalf of patients. This ensures medical oversight and credibility in the process.

Response Time: The government has set a 14-day maximum response period, aimed at reducing delays in accessing treatment.

Target Beneficiaries: Patients with chronic and long-term illnesses not fully covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Funding Allocation: With GH₵2.3 billion earmarked, the Fund is expected to significantly ease the financial burden of healthcare for thousands of Ghanaians.

The MahamaCares initiative is a critical complement to the NHIS, which has often been criticized for failing to adequately cover chronic illnesses. By focusing on non-communicable diseases, the Fund addresses a growing health challenge in Ghana, where conditions like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise.

Additionally, the government has announced a 120% increase in NHIS tariffs, a move intended to ease financial strain on hospitals and clinics that have long complained about unrealistic reimbursement rates.

Economic and Social Implications

For Patients: Timely financial support could mean access to life-saving treatments that were previously unaffordable.

For Healthcare Providers: Improved tariffs and guaranteed payouts may stabilize hospital finances and enhance service delivery.

For Ghana’s Economy: Allocating GH₵2.3 billion reflects a significant investment in human capital, potentially reducing long-term productivity losses caused by chronic illness.

MahamaCares represents a landmark policy shift in Ghana’s healthcare financing, offering hope to thousands of patients who previously struggled to afford treatment. By guaranteeing a 14-day response time and allocating billions in funding, the government is signaling its commitment to tackling chronic diseases head-on.

This initiative not only strengthens the healthcare system but also underscores the importance of social protection in national development.