Strengthening cross-country collaboration on NCD financing: Ghana joins regional workshop in Kenya

Ghana at the Heart of Regional Dialogue on NCD Financing

In a significant step towards bolstering regional efforts to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), representatives from Ghana joined peers from across Sub-Saharan Africa for a two-day Cross-Country Learning Workshop on NCD Financing in Nairobi, Kenya. Held from 25th–26th August 2025, the workshop was organized by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), World Bank, Access Accelerated, and Results for Development (R4D).

The Ghanaian delegation comprised Mr. Labram Musah, Executive Director of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana (VAST Ghana) and National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, Mr. Ernest Owusu Sekyere from the Ministry of Health, and Mr. Godfred Tweneboah, also representing VAST Ghana and the Ghana NCD Alliance.

Addressing the Financing Gap: A Regional Priority

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, underinvestment in NCD services remains a critical challenge, with most countries allocating less than 2% of GDP to public health. The workshop created a platform for governments, civil society, and technical experts to share strategies and strengthen collaboration on domestic resource mobilization.

With declining donor funding and increasing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, the workshop emphasized the need for sustainable financing solutions. Key focus areas included health taxes, social insurance, strategic purchasing, and resource pooling, all geared towards integrating NCD care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Ghana’s Financing Landscape: Insights from a Poster Presentation

Ghana’s delegation presented a detailed overview of the country’s current NCD financing mechanisms through a poster presentation. Key sources of funding included:

• National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
• Ghana Medical Trust Fund
• Out-of-pocket payments
• Donor contributions

Despite these mechanisms forming a solid foundation, the presentation highlighted persistent gaps in coverage, equity, and sustainability, underscoring the urgency for innovative and long-term solutions.

Showcasing Innovation: Ghana on the High-Level Panel

A high-level panel discussion featured representatives from Ghana, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda, offering a comparative perspective on NCD financing innovations. Representing Ghana, Mr. Labram Musah highlighted several forward-thinking initiatives:

• 2.5% Levy on Goods and Services earmarked for the NHIS.
• Uncapping of the National Health Insurance Levy under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, enabling full allocation to health financing.
• MahamCare – The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, which allocates 20% of the NHIS levy specifically for chronic NCDs, institutionalizing long-term financing for these conditions.

Fiscal Measures for Health: Excise Taxes and Policy Reforms

Mr. Musah also drew attention to Ghana’s 2023 excise tax reforms that increased levies on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages. These measures not only serve public health goals by reducing consumption but also provide additional fiscal space for health financing.

Quoting Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, Mr. Musah reiterated the call for African governments to earmark at least 50% of excise tax revenues for healthcare, especially in light of waning donor support.

He also cautioned against the influence of commercial interests from unhealthy commodity industries, calling for robust governance to ensure health policies remain anchored in public welfare.

Learning from Kenya: A Practical Exposure to Innovation in Cancer Care

Participants of the workshop undertook a site visit to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital, a leading facility in cancer care innovation. They explored Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) and the deployment of strategic purchasing in delivering cancer services.

Of particular interest was the CyberKnife system—a robotic, non-invasive technology that delivers high-precision radiation therapy to tumors. Its application not only enhances treatment outcomes but also significantly reduces side effects and treatment duration.

This hands-on learning provided participants, including Ghana’s delegation, with practical insights into how cutting-edge technology can be integrated into national cancer care systems, even in resource-constrained settings.

Charting the Way Forward: Lessons for Ghana

The workshop offered a timely opportunity for Ghana to reaffirm its commitment to scaling up financing reforms. Delegates emphasized the need to:

• Earmark health taxes more systematically.
• Strengthen investment cases for increased NCD funding.
• Align fiscal policies with health priorities of the population.
• Safeguard health policy development from industry interference.

As a forward-looking recommendation, the Ghanaian delegation called on the government to leverage existing financing streams—particularly the MahamaCare Fund—to invest in technologies like the CyberKnife system, thereby expanding access to advanced cancer treatment nationwide.

A Regional Commitment to Shared Progress

The workshop concluded with renewed enthusiasm for cross-country collaboration. It reaffirmed that regional peer learning and joint problem-solving are key to unlocking sustainable solutions for NCD financing.

Through platforms like the Financing Accelerator Network, Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing the NCD agenda. Its experience underscores that with political will, innovative policy, and strong civil society engagement, it is possible to make tangible progress toward universal health coverage and better health outcomes for all.

By embracing innovation and collaboration, Ghana and its regional peers are paving the way for a healthier, more resilient Africa.