President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama says the United States has asked Ghana to resume negotiations over a proposed $109 million health assistance package.
Speaking at a public forum in Goaso during his nationwide Resetting Ghana tour, President Mahama said Washington was willing to reconsider parts of the five-year arrangement that Accra opposed.
He said officials from both countries would examine the disputed terms and consider revising or dropping them.
Ghana turned down the proposal in April after raising concerns over sovereignty, access to confidential health information and the authority of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Addressing the Council on Foreign Relations in New York in September, President Mahama said the pact could require Ghana to provide the US with information on circulating pathogens and citizens’ medical records.
Such data can help authorities track disease threats, but the government questioned the proposed disclosure requirements.
The president also objected to Ghana’s financial obligations under the package.
He said its terms could limit the FDA’s ability to inspect medicines and other medical supplies entering the country through the programme.
The offer was intended to provide $109 million in US health support over five years, replacing some assistance previously delivered through the US Agency for International Development.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong