President John Dramani Mahama has directed Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take immediate action to resolve the funding gap caused by the suspension of USAID’s international funding program.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 11, and signed by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President expressed significant concern about the projected $156 million funding shortfall.
He particularly emphasized the potential $78.2 million deficit, which could have a severe impact on essential interventions.
“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to take urgent steps to bridge the funding gap arising out of the suspension of the USAID’s international funding programme,” the statement read.
“Of particular concern to the President, is the impact of the projected $78.2 million shortfall that will adversely impact such critical interventions as malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS under which the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing, and prevention programs are threatened,” it added.
