Ghana Faces Funding Gap as US Aid Cuts Leave Void
Accra, Ghana – The United States’ massive aid freeze is reverberating across Africa, with Ghana now facing a $156 million (149 million euro) funding shortfall that threatens severe consequences for health and agriculture.
The cuts, enacted by President Donald Trump, have left thousands of people both in the United States and abroad without jobs, and have halted humanitarian programs worldwide.
In Ghana, the health sector alone is facing a shortfall of $78.2 million, as U.S.-funded initiatives are discontinued. The country is also grappling with a deficit in agriculture, with farmers losing access to subsidized fertilizers and seeds previously provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Healthcare in Crisis
The impact on Ghana’s health system is particularly alarming. Some 150,000 HIV-positive individuals in Ghana rely on USAID-funded antiretroviral drugs, and doctors warn of impending drug shortages.
"I don’t know what will happen to me," an HIV-positive patient in Accra told AFP. "It’s terrifying to think that my survival depends on aid that could just be taken away."
Medical director Abdulai Abukari highlighted potential disruptions in drug supply nationwide, particularly in rural areas. "We are looking at potential stock-outs, which could lead to a rise in preventable diseases, maternal deaths, and a resurgence of viruses like malaria and tuberculosis," he said.
Agriculture and Food Security at Risk
The impact on agriculture is equally concerning. In northern Ghana, farmers are bracing for the next rainy season without the fertilizers and seeds once provided by USAID.
"If we don’t get the fertilizers and seeds on time, our yields will drop drastically," said Sulemana Iddrisu, a farmer in northern Ghana. "That means less food in the markets, higher prices for everyone, and possible food shortages nationwide."
This is especially troubling for a region where poverty, climate change, and poor infrastructure continue to hamper progress.
Government Intervention and International Appeal
Ghana’s government is scrambling to find ways to offset the funding gap. It has reallocated funds to essential programs like malaria prevention, maternal health, and HIV treatment.
President John Dramani Mahama has also reached out to "international partners and financial institutions, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the European Union, for grants and loans to support key development projects," according to a presidential spokesperson.
However, the short-term outlook remains uncertain. "It’s good that the government is trying to step in," said Abukari. "But without immediate international support, this could spiral out of control."
For farmers like Iddrisu, the prospects are grim. "All we can do is pray," he said.
Long-Term Consequences
The aid cuts are not only affecting Ghana’s immediate needs but also raising concerns about long-term development. USAID has played a significant role in supporting Ghana’s economic and social progress in recent years.
The cuts could derail efforts to combat poverty, improve health outcomes, and enhance food security. Moreover, they could damage Ghana’s long-standing relationship with the United States, which has been a key development partner for the country.
The future of Ghana’s aid-dependent programs is unclear. The Trump administration has defended the cuts, citing concerns about waste and fraud, but critics argue that they will have devastating consequences for people in need.
As the global community grapples with the fallout from the US aid freeze, Ghana’s experience serves as a reminder of the critical role that foreign assistance plays in promoting health, prosperity, and stability worldwide.
