In a move that has sparked outrage and disappointment, the Minority in Parliament has blocked the adoption of the Health Committee’s report on the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025—popularly known as the Mahama Cares programme—citing a lack of quorum for decision-making.

The bill, which is being treated as a matter of urgency, aims to establish a dedicated trust fund to support specialised medical care for chronic and life-threatening conditions including cancer, stroke, kidney failure, and diabetes. It is seen as a major step forward in Ghana’s healthcare reforms and a potential lifeline for thousands of patients struggling with limited access to advanced treatment.

However, during parliamentary deliberations, the progress of the bill hit a roadblock when First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, raised procedural objections. He argued that Parliament lacked the required quorum to proceed with a vote on the Health Committee’s report. The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, upheld the concern and postponed the vote until Tuesday, pending confirmation of quorum and further consultations.

The Majority Caucus, while expressing frustration over the delay, chose not to force the process. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explained that although the ruling side could have pushed the motion through with its numbers, it opted for dialogue and compromise.

“We had the numbers to proceed, but in the spirit of consensus-building and parliamentary integrity, we respected the concerns of the Minority. This is about saving lives, not scoring political points,” Ayariga stated.

The Minority’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from health advocates and civil society groups, who argue that procedural gamesmanship should not be allowed to derail urgent health interventions that affect the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

Supporters of the Mahama Cares programme say the trust fund could transform the healthcare landscape by providing reliable financial support for critical care patients and easing the burden on public hospitals.

The bill’s fate now rests on Tuesday’s parliamentary session, where stakeholders hope political differences will be set aside in favour of national health priorities.