President John Mahama has instructed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to address the funding gap left by the suspension of USAID’s international funding program, which amounts to a significant $156 million.

The president is particularly concerned about the potential $78.2 million shortfall that could negatively impact crucial health interventions, such as malaria prevention, maternal and child health, and HIV/AIDS treatment.

USAID’s work in Ghana has been instrumental in improving agricultural production, healthcare, education, and local government institutions.

The suspension of their funding has been described as a “big blow” by Dr. Mavis Owureku-Asare, a researcher who has benefited from USAID funding in the past. She emphasized the need for the government to quickly assess the impact of USAID’s withdrawal and take steps to bridge the funding gap.

The president has requested that the finance minister focus on priority areas to mitigate the effects of the funding disruption. This move aims to ensure that critical health services and programs continue uninterrupted.