Ghana and World Bank launch new health investment compact

The new framework aims to align domestic and external funding for Ghana's health sector under a country-led strategy, moving away from fragmented donor interventions.

The Ghanaian government and the World Bank are launching a country-led health financing compact. This compact will align Ghana's domestic resources and external funding for health investment under a unified, government-defined framework. This initiative marks a clear departure from scattered, donor-led health interventions. It aims to establish a coordinated national strategy with measurable targets and sustainable financing. The Ministries of Health and Finance will co-lead this important compact. The push for this compact aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's 'Accra Reset' initiative. This initiative seeks to redefine how African countries interact with global health financing. The compact also supports a broader shift towards national ownership of health systems, moving away from external dependency. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah stated this new compact represents "a new way of working". He highlighted that it will bring together domestic resources, concessional financing, and partner support. This aligns them behind a single national vision, positioning countries as "co-authors of their future". World Bank Division Director Robert R. Taliercio affirmed support for this approach. He noted it reflects a growing political commitment to national ownership of health systems. This compact will guide engagement over the next six years, building on a relationship dating back to 1957. The World Bank is also preparing a new country partnership framework with Ghana. This framework will cover sectors including health, energy, agriculture, and macroeconomic stability. Ghana's experience is seen as a template for the region in improving health outcomes. The compact model integrates with the Bank's 'Fit to Prosper' regional strategy. This strategy aims to deliver quality, affordable health services to 200 million people in West and Central Africa by 2030. The World Bank's regional portfolio currently includes 24 active operations. These operations across more than 20 countries represent commitments of about US$4.4 billion. An additional US$340 million in co-financing supports these initiatives. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced Ghana's Universal Health Coverage Compact. It will align domestic reforms and external support. The alignment will focus on measurable outcomes in primary healthcare, financial protection, and service quality. He emphasized that development support is most impactful when aligned with national priorities. Ghana has already started reforms to strengthen health financing and access. These include removing the cap on the National Health Insurance Levy. This action boosts domestic revenue for health services. The government is also rolling out a Free Primary Healthcare initiative. This initiative reduces out-of-pocket costs for citizens. Additionally, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, has been established. This fund supports treatment for non-communicable diseases and other high-cost conditions. The World Bank's strategy prioritizes three key areas for the region. These are strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving the efficiency of health financing. It also aims to build resilience against shocks like pandemics and climate-related risks. Government health spending averages about 1.5% of GDP across West and Central Africa. This is below comparable regions. Debt servicing has also outpaced health budget growth in most countries. This compact signifies a move towards greater financial accountability and sustainable health systems. Decision-makers will closely monitor the measurable targets and outcomes. The success of this model could influence future health financing strategies across the African continent. This effort aims to reduce dependency and build robust, country-led health systems.

Ghana and World Bank launch new health investment compact

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