President Mahama announces short code for public donations to MahamaCares health fund

President John Dramani Mahama has introduced a nationwide short code, *255#, to enable Ghanaians to contribute directly to the newly launched Mahama Cares Health Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting citizens living with chronic illnesses not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Announcing the development during his national address on Wednesday, May 7, President Mahama encouraged all citizens, businesses, and institutions to support the cause through voluntary contributions. The shortcode, which functions across all mobile networks, is designed to simplify public donations.

“I encourage every Ghanaian to contribute as you are willing and able. The shortcode for the contribution across all mobile networks is 225#,” he stated.

The fund is specifically intended to assist individuals battling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), whose high treatment costs often go uncovered by NHIS provisions.

In a show of personal commitment, the President pledged six months of his salary as a contribution to the fund. He also directed all members of his administration to donate one month’s salary to strengthen the fund's base.

In addition to providing direct support to patients, the Mahama Cares Health Fund will also finance investments in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, specialized training, and medical research aimed at boosting the country’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.

President Mahama underscored the fund’s role in advancing equitable access to care. “We made promises and we have kept them; our first 120 days have been defined by decisive action, commitment to transparency, and relentless focus on laying the foundation for building the Ghana we want, a just, prosperous, and united Ghana,” he stated.

He also used the platform to reflect on the progress made during his first 120 days in office. Among the notable achievements he cited were the implementation of a Code of Conduct for political appointees, the abolition of the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy), the removal of the betting tax, and broad measures to streamline public administration.

The 120-day address forms part of President Mahama’s broader push for governance anchored in accountability, performance benchmarks, and tangible outcomes—a pledge he made to voters during the campaign.