Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged the technical taskforce of the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) to prioritize the effective implementation of the initiative to improve healthcare across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the taskforce on Wednesday, March 12, Mr. Akandoh emphasized that the taskforce has been entrusted with a responsibility of national importance.
“You have been meticulously selected for your expertise, experience and dedication to enhancing healthcare in Ghana”, he noted
The Taskforce will be chaired by Rev. Prof. Emeritus Seth Aryeetey, former Provost of the College of Health Sciences. Members include distinguished professionals from various fields:
Prof. Emeritus Fred Binka – Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Health and Allied Sciences
Prof. Margaret Kweku – Public Health Consultant
Dr. Alfred Doku – Consultant Cardiologist
Dr. Randolph Nsor-Ambala – Financial Expert
Dr. Anthony Gingong – Representative, National Health Insurance Trust Fund
Dr. Anthony Seddoh – Health Policy and Financing Expert
Anna Pearl Akiwumi-Siriboe – Legal Practitioner & Attorney General’s Representative
Dr. Belinda Afriyie – Public Health Consultant & Secretary to the Task Force.
The Health Minister noted that the mandate of the Tasksforce includes developing a legal framework to establish MahamaCares as a statutory entity.
He further explained that they are also responsible for designing a sustainable funding model to ensure the long-term viability of the initiative.
Additionally, he emphasized that the Tasksforce will set clear and transparent eligibility criteria for beneficiaries.
He added that the team will also assess healthcare infrastructure and recommend improvements to enhance accessibility.
The minister stressed the importance of their work, stating that the decisions made in the coming months will determine the future of the initiative.
He emphasized that their efforts are not just about policies but about saving lives and giving hope to struggling families.
The Task Force is expected to complete its work and submit its report by April 15, 2025.