MahamaCares Begins Life-Saving Interventions Under Pilot Phase

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, has begun life-saving medical interventions under its pilot phase, providing a total of GH¢236,590 in financial support to two critically ill patients requiring urgent treatment.

The beneficiaries include Miss Rebecca Odarquaye, a 36-year-old midwife diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, and Mr Aminu Taibu, a 25-year-old patient receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) for ischaemic heart disease.

The interventions form part of the Fund’s pilot phase involving 50 cases nationwide, ahead of the programme’s official rollout later this year to support Ghanaians living with non-communicable diseases.

GH¢210,840 for Brain Surgery

Miss Odarquaye, who works as a midwife, was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and advised by medical specialists to undergo urgent surgery. The cost of the procedure, estimated at GH¢210,840, was beyond the financial capacity of her family.

Speaking after receiving the support, Ms Odarquaye described the diagnosis as distressing.

“When the doctors told me about the condition, I was scared. I kept thinking about my family and the women I still want to help as a midwife,” she said.

Her condition became publicly known after JoyNews aired her story, prompting donations from members of the public who raised GH¢17,000—an amount insufficient to cover the surgery.

Following an assessment, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund approved full funding for the procedure. Health Policy Advisor at the Fund, Dr Norbert Kipo, said the intervention reflects the core mandate of MahamaCares.

“This is exactly why the Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established by the President—to ensure that no Ghanaian suffers or dies simply because they cannot afford critical medical care,” he said.

Dr Kipo confirmed that the Fund settled the entire GH¢210,840 cost for the surgery performed at Eurocare Hospital, adding that the earlier public donations have been retained to support Ms Odarquaye’s post-surgery recovery.

“The funds raised earlier have been set aside for her post-surgery care, including medication and recovery support,” he explained.

He expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for establishing the Trust Fund and appealed to individuals and organisations to support the initiative.

Ms Odarquaye said she remains hopeful of making a full recovery and returning to her professional duties.

“All I want is to recover fully and go back to helping pregnant women bring new life into the world,” she said.

GH¢25,750 Support for UGMC Patient

In a separate intervention, the Fund also provided GH¢25,750 in financial assistance to Mr Aminu Taibu, a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease and receiving treatment at UGMC.

The support followed an application submitted on the patient’s behalf, and the amount was paid directly to the medical facility to cover part of his treatment costs.

The payment was formally received by the Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, who assured that the hospital would provide the necessary care to support the patient’s recovery.

Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, said the intervention demonstrates the importance of the pilot phase, which is aimed at testing operational systems and ensuring the Fund can respond swiftly to urgent medical needs ahead of full implementation.

She added that the support reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving access to healthcare and providing timely, life-saving assistance to vulnerable Ghanaians, noting that the intervention has brought renewed hope to the beneficiary and his family.