John Dramani Mahama says US seeks to renegotiate rejected $109m health compact

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the United States government is seeking to renegotiate a $109 million health compact that was previously rejected by the Ghanaian Cabinet. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Goaso, the President revealed that the U.S. government has requested further discussions to address the contentious provisions that led to the initial dismissal of the five-year aid package. He emphasized that while Ghana values its international partnerships, his administration will remain firm in protecting national sovereignty and data security.

The health compact was initially rejected by the Cabinet in April 2023 after a review determined that several clauses were unfavorable to the country's interests. President Mahama explained that the government would not accept terms that could be perceived as humiliating or that might compromise sensitive national data. He clarified that the decision to reject the proposal was based on a commitment to maintain Ghana's strategic autonomy and ensure that foreign assistance does not undermine the nation's dignity or security protocols.

Despite the ongoing discussions regarding the health compact, President Mahama assured the public that other U.S.-funded initiatives and development plans remain unaffected and are proceeding as scheduled. During his forum in the Ahafo Region, the President also highlighted broader infrastructure improvements in healthcare and agriculture, reaffirming his government's focus on self-directed regional growth. The outcome of the upcoming talks with U.S. officials is expected to depend on whether the proposed amendments satisfy the Cabinet's requirements for national data protection and sovereign respect.