Parliament has approved the consideration of the bill under a certificate of urgency
The Parliament of Ghana has approved the consideration of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, under a certificate of urgency, following its presentation by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The decision comes in response to the pressing need to address the rising cases of chronic and non-communicable diseases in the country, with the bill aimed at establishing a sustainable funding mechanism to support affected Ghanaians.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, also referred to as the “Mahama Cares” Fund, was laid before Parliament and underwent its First Reading on the same day. The bill seeks to mobilize resources to finance and support individuals living with chronic illnesses, providing financial relief for the cost of care and medication for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The urgency of the legislation was underscored by the Health Committee of Parliament, which emphasized the critical need for swift action due to the increasing health crises driven by the upsurge in NCD cases.
In its report, the Health Committee highlighted the extensive stakeholder consultations conducted prior to the bill’s formulation, noting that the groundwork ensures the bill’s readiness for expedited consideration.
“Given the wide stakeholder consultations undertaken prior to the formulation of the Bill and having regard to the impending health crises risk given the upsurge in chronic and non-communicable disease cases, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025 be considered under a certificate of urgency to facilitate the operationalization of the Fund for the benefit of Ghanaians,” the Committee stated.
The bill is expected to bolster the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) by providing access to the uncapped portion of the National Health Insurance Levy, thereby enhancing funding for medical services.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, launched by President Mahama on April 29, 2025, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, has already garnered significant support.
On May 17, 2025, the Military High Command, led by Lieutenant General William Agyapong, donated a month’s salary to the fund, signaling strong institutional backing. Additionally, the Institute of Leadership and Development (INSLA) commended the Cabinet’s approval of the bill on June 25, 2025, noting its potential to establish a long-term, sustainable funding source for healthcare financing.
The bill is now expected to be taken through a Second Reading following the unanimous approval of the House to consider it under a certificate of urgency on the recommendation of the Health Committee of Parliament.
Despite indicating their support for the consideration of the bill, the Minority noted that the objective of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund in comparison to the NHIS has the potential of leading to duplicity.
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