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Ghana has reportedly declined a proposed bilateral health agreement with the United States, sources close to the negotiations have revealed. The proposed deal aimed to shift aid from traditional multilateral channels to direct country-to-country agreements, which often come with conditions on fund usage, program implementation, and prioritized outcomes.
Ghana’s reluctance appears to be driven by concerns over the sovereignty of its health policies, the sustainability of funding, and the alignment with national health priorities. Historically, Ghana has depended on a diverse range of international donors, including global health funds and UN agencies, which offer pooled financing and technical support.
A bilateral arrangement could limit this support and require changes to existing programs. This rejection also adds to the ongoing debate among developing countries about the future of foreign aid.
Earlier this year, Zimbabwe halted similar negotiations with the U.S., citing concerns that the terms could undermine national sovereignty. Kenya had initially signed a similar deal, but consumer protection groups raised alarms about the potential exposure of citizens’ health data. Zambia has also pushed back on some parts of a similar deal, while the Democratic Republic of Congo has accepted one, and other countries are still in negotiations.
While talks may resume, Ghana’s decision highlights the challenges involved in reshaping global health aid.
As of now, the government has not made an official statement on the matter.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv