The United Kingdom and United States have announced a joint contribution of nearly $3 million (GHS 44 million) to support Ghana’s efforts to enhance financial management within its health sector.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed as part of the initiative will enable 40 districts and over 900 health facilities to adopt Ghana’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) by 2025.
GIFMIS aims to improve financial transparency and accountability by training key personnel in digital systems for budgeting, reporting, and fund management.
This enhanced financial oversight is expected to improve healthcare delivery, accessibility, and affordability for Ghanaians.
The announcement coincides with the UN’s Universal Health Coverage Day, emphasizing the importance of quality and affordable healthcare for all.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will contribute $1.8 million, while the United States, through USAID, will provide $1.1 million.
These funds will be used to acquire essential planning and reporting tools for Ghana’s health services.
Richard Sandall, Development Director at the British High Commission in Accra, underscored the significance of the partnership in fostering sustainable healthcare improvements in Ghana.
“Better financial management in the health sector means improved accessibility and quality of care for Ghanaians. That’s why we are proud to be joining this new partnership with USAID and the Government of Ghana: we can reach further and achieve more by working together”.
Ms. Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director said:
“As the largest bilateral development partner in Ghana, the United States is committed to supporting the Government of Ghana to strengthen its financial management systems, to ensure transparent, accountable and efficient use of donor and domestic funds.”
The MOU will build on an existing agreement between the Ghana Health Service and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) totalling $25 million to support primary health care and strengthening of the health system.
The support will help implement the strategic objectives of the Ghana’s Public Financial Management Strategy, with the health sector a priority to improve the use of GIFMIS.
Health facility, regional and district management staff will be trained on GIFMIS and the Ghana Health Service Asset Management system that documents the availability of health sector equipment and logistics across districts.
