Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has taken a strong swipe at the NDC government, accusing it of “high-level inconsistencies” in its 2026 Budget Statement as presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

Contributing to the budget debate in Parliament, Dr Ayew Afriye said the minister’s claims of expanding access to healthcare under the Mahama Care initiative sharply contradict the government’s own fiscal actions—particularly regarding the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

He quoted the minister’s assertion: “Mr Speaker, the National Health Insurance Scheme has been uncapped to provide financing for vaccines, essential commodities, HIV services and Free Primary Health Care under the Mahama Care initiative.”

According to the Ranking Member, this statement does not reflect the real situation on the ground. He revealed that last year, although GH₵8 billion was allocated to the NHIF, the amount was capped at GH₵6.8 billion, and ultimately only GH₵6.5 billion was released—representing about 95.5 percent.

Dr Ayew Afriye argued that this year’s figures present even deeper contradictions. He noted that the projected NHIF envelope of GH₵10 billion—later revised to GH₵8 billion—was again subjected to a further 20 percent cap to fund the Mahama Care Trust. This, he explained, translates to about GH₵1.6 billion being withheld, significantly reducing the funds available to the NHIA.

“Mr Speaker, if this pattern persists, about GH₵6.4 billion will eventually be released to the NHIA—a drastic drop from last year and a clear indication of inconsistency in the government’s budget narrative,” he said.

The Ranking Member further demanded clarity from the government on the true scope of the Mahama Care initiative and the Primary Health Care programme.

He stated: “Mr Speaker, they said they have capped about 20 percent of the GH₵8 billion budget and allocated it to Primary Health Care under the so-called Mahama Care. This is confusing because they also claim Mahama Care is for specialist treatment and non-communicable diseases. Which is which? The government must come clear.”

Dr Ayew Afriye concluded that these contradictions undermine the minister’s claims of expanded healthcare access, insisting the actual allocations point to a contraction rather than an improvement in health sector financing.

Watch a video of his remarks below



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