The Ghanaian government is facing criticism over its management of the co-financing agreement with the Global Fund, according to Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, the president of the Ghana HIV and AIDS network.
The Ministry of Health recently cleared 14 containers of anti-retroviral drugs and TB medications at the Tema port, bringing attention to the delay in signing the crucial co-financing letter. This document outlines the country’s financial commitment to the Global Fund’s grant, which was supposed to be signed in May of the previous year but remains unsigned.
Mr. Amoabeng Ortsin raised concerns about the government’s failure to sign the co-financing letter, emphasizing the importance of the agreement for procuring additional health commodities and supporting the nation’s health system. Under the current grant from 2024 to 2026, valued at over $240 million, Ghana is required to contribute about 15% of the capital funding over three years.
He explained that the government’s contribution is essential for purchasing commodities and supporting the health system, but the delay in signing the co-financing letter has caused dissatisfaction with the Global Fund. The organization is not pleased with the government’s failure to fulfill its commitment.
Government needs to expedite the signing of the co-financing letter to ensure the availability of necessary health commodities and support for the nation’s health system. Failure to do so could jeopardize Ghana’s ability to meet its obligations to the Global Fund and provide essential healthcare services to its citizens.
