Ghana prepared to fill $156 million USAID funding gap — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed Ghana's readiness to bridge the $156 million funding shortfall caused by the suspension of US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs.

The President highlighted that the current circumstances should push African nations to become more self-sufficient.

President Mahama emphasized the diversity of Ghana's foreign ties during the Munich Security Conference's Townhall on "Building or Burning Bridges: Economic and Development Cooperation Among Multipolarization" on Friday, February 14, in Munich.

He pointed out that, while USAID has been active in governance, education, and healthcare, collaborations with countries such as China and Brazil have focused on infrastructure and agriculture, respectively.

Speaking directly on the potential impact of the USAID funding cut, President Mahama stated, “… $156 million really is not a huge pot of money, but it buys us a lot of recognition for the work that it does, but we are prepared to fill that gap, and like I said, it must teach us to be more self-reliant.”

He further stressed the need for African leaders to reduce excessive spending and concentrate on critical areas.

Meanwhile, the President has directed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to take immediate steps to bridge the funding shortfall to mitigate any adverse impacts.