To make up for losses in U.S. aid funding, the government of Ghana changed its national fiscal policy, uncapping the amount of national taxation revenue that may be used to finance the national health program.
Date: 3/25
Region: Africa
Country: Ghana
Topic: Health, Governance & Rights
Policy Lens: Global Health Security
Entry Type: Secondary Effect
Additional Context: This information was collected by Amnesty International in the yearly 'State of the World's Human Rights' report. USAID funding disruptions are estimated to have caused a $78.2 million shortfall in health sector funding, threatening the provision of resources for or maternal and child health, disease prevention, and rural healthcare access.
Devex Researcher Note: Government funding for the National Health Insurance scheme, or NHIS, was collected through a 2.5% VAT levy on select goods and services, capped to ensure fiscal flexibility allowing money to be spent on sectors other than health care if required. The removal of this cap, along with reduced ceilings on VAT refunds owed by the government to businesses, are expected to free up $347 million for social programs in Ghana, including health care. In 2026, Ghana walked away from a $109 million 'America First' health agreement negotiation with the U.S. over sovereignty and data sharing concerns.
Source: Amnesty International

