The United Kingdom and the United States have pledged nearly $3 million (approximately GHS 44 million) to support the Government of Ghana in strengthening financial management across the country’s healthcare system. Announced on Universal Health Coverage Day, December 12, 2024, this partnership seeks to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
The financial support will help 40 districts and over 900 health facilities implement the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) in 2025. The GIFMIS initiative aims to enhance financial oversight in the health sector, with a strong emphasis on training staff to effectively use digital tools for budgeting, reporting, and fund management. This, in turn, is expected to lead to better accessibility, quality, and affordability of healthcare services for Ghanaians.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will contribute $1.8 million, while the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide $1.1 million. These funds will be directed toward acquiring critical planning and reporting tools for Ghana’s health services.
Richard Sandall, Development Director at the British High Commission in Accra, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, Better financial management in the health sector means improved accessibility and quality of care for Ghanaians. That’s why we are proud to be joining this new partnership with USAID and the Government of Ghana: we can reach further and achieve more by working together.
Similarly, Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “As the largest bilateral development partner in Ghana, the United States is committed to supporting the Government of Ghana to strengthen its financial management systems, ensuring transparent, accountable, and efficient use of donor and domestic funds,” she noted.
This agreement builds on an existing $25 million collaboration between USAID and the Ghana Health Service aimed at enhancing primary healthcare and bolstering the health system. It also aligns with Ghana’s Public Financial Management Strategy, which prioritizes improved resource allocation and utilization within the health sector.
The initiative will involve comprehensive training for health facility managers, regional staff, and district-level personnel on how to use GIFMIS and the Ghana Health Service Asset Management System. This system will document the availability of critical healthcare equipment and logistics, ensuring resources are appropriately distributed across districts.
The UK and US partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Ghana, with financial management reforms playing a central role in achieving greater accountability and efficiency within the sector.
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