Ghana has reportedly rejected a proposed bilateral health agreement with the United States, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
3news gathers the proposed deal was expected to shift assistance away from traditional multilateral channels toward direct country-to-country agreements. Such arrangements often come with specific conditions on how funds are used, how programmes are implemented and what outcomes are prioritized.
Sources indicate Ghana’s hesitation may stem from concerns about sovereignty over its health policies, sustainability of funding and alignment with national health priorities.
Ghana has traditionally relied on partnerships with multiple donors, including global health funds and UN agencies, which provide pooled financing and technical support.
A bilateral arrangement could potentially narrow that support base or require adjustments to existing programmes. The rejection also highlights a broader debate among developing countries about foreign aid reforms.
Information gathered indicates that talks between Zimbabwe and the U.S. collapsed earlier this year.
Zimbabwe halted negotiations, saying the terms could undermine sovereignty and were an unequal exchange.
Kenya initially signed a similar health funding agreement with the U.S. But a consumer protection group sued, arguing the deal risked exposing citizens’ health data.
Zambia has pushed back on parts of a similar deal while Democratic Republic of Congo accepted one and several others are still negotiating
Negotiations could still continue, but for now, Ghana’s position underscores the complexities involved in reshaping global health aid.
At the time of writing this story, government is yet to make an official statement on the development.
By Sarah Apenkroh
