Ato Forson Asked to Cough up $156M to Bridge USAID Funding Gap
The Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson has received an instruction from President John Dramani Mahama, to make up for the revenue shortfalls created by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by President Donald Trump.
This was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of the President, Felix Ofosu Kwakye on February 10, 2025.
“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take urgent steps to bridge the funding gap arising out of the suspension of the USAID’s international funding programme.”
The development has created a funding gap estimated at $156 million, creating concerns for the head of state and government.
“The President has requested that the bridging arrangements focus on these priority areas to mitigate any deleterious effects occasioned by the USAID funding disruptions.”
According to the Jubilee House, the move by the US will create a $78.2 million shortfall that will adversely impact critical interventions such as malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
This threatens the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing, and prevention programmes.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
