Health equity cannot solely depend on donors — Nana Oye Bampoe Addo

Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called for a fundamental shift in Ghana's approach to healthcare delivery, stressing that achieving lasting health equity cannot depend solely on donors, external systems or political symbolism.

She said the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has taken bold and practical steps to address healthcare financing challenges through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, with the aim of reducing the burden on Ghanaian families.

Nana Oye made the remarks in an interview with Modern Ghana News on June 15, 2026, following the presentation of GH¢6.1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. The amount comprised contributions from six months of President Mahama's salary and one month's salary from presidential staffers.

She led a delegation of Senior Presidential Advisors and staff of the Office of the President to present the cheque and described the donation as more than an act of charity.

According to her, the contribution represented the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's Reset Agenda in action and demonstrated leadership by example.

The Deputy Chief of Staff underscored the importance of personal sacrifice in public service, noting that President Mahama had set the tone by committing six months of his salary as seed funding for MahamaCares before encouraging appointees and staffers to contribute one month's salary to the initiative.

“Leadership is not a title; it is a disposition. It is the willingness to contribute financially when the country requires it. It is the recognition that public service is, at its core, about giving and not receiving.”

Nana Oye described the contributions as genuine sacrifices made by public servants in support of a national effort to save lives and ease the financial burden on vulnerable families.

The former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection expressed confidence that the fund would provide hope for patients requiring expensive medical treatment while helping to establish a healthcare support system “that leaves no Ghanaian behind”.

She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government's broader agenda of achieving health sovereignty through sustainable financing, workforce development and stronger healthcare institutions.

“If we can achieve that, then MahamaCares will not just be a fund; it will be a legacy – a legacy of compassion, fairness, and dignity in healthcare for every Ghanaian."

Nana Oye therefore called on religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, state and non-state actors, corporate institutions and individuals to contribute to the fund.

“The Ghana Medical Trust Fund remains open to contributions from all Ghanaians. Today, the presidency has answered the call. The invitation now stands for every Ghanaian to play their part in building a more inclusive, healthier nation,” she stated.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the fund, the Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Ms Adjoa Obuobia Darko Opoku, described the contribution as a significant demonstration of leadership and social inclusion.

She noted that the fund was established to ensure that no Ghanaian is denied critical medical treatment because of financial constraints.

The initiative, she said, reflects a people-centred approach to governance that recognises healthcare as a fundamental right and positions public officials as active partners in closing gaps in access to medical care rather than merely serving as policymakers.

   Comments0