The government has transferred GHS6.1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund following directives issued by President John Dramani Mahama regarding salary contributions by political appointees.

The move forms part of commitments made during the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, where President Mahama pledged to donate six months of his salary to support the initiative.

The President subsequently encouraged all government appointees to contribute one month of their salaries to the Fund as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare financing and support vulnerable patients.

In addition, appointees who failed to meet the President’s initial deadline for asset declaration were directed to forfeit three months of their salaries to the Fund.

According to Felic Kwakye Ofosu, the Government Communications Minister in a post on Facebook,  the Controller and Accountant-General's Department has formally confirmed that a total of GHS6.1 million has already been deducted and transferred to the Fund in line with the President’s directives.

He also disclosed that arrangements are underway to transfer a final tranche expected to cover contributions from appointees who defaulted on the asset declaration requirement.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to support healthcare delivery and provide financial assistance for the treatment of critical illnesses, particularly for vulnerable groups battling Non -Communicable Diseases across the country.