Parliament approves GH¢9.27bn for NHIA and GH¢2.90bn for MahamaCares in 2026

Parliament has approved GH¢9.27 billion for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for the year ending 31 December 2026, and GH₵2.90 billion for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), known as MahamaCares, Graphic Online reported on 12 February 2026.

The proposed disbursement formulas for both funds were laid before the House on 4 February 2026 and referred to the Committee of the Whole. Parliament approved them after adopting the committee's reports.

The National Health Insurance Fund pays for the healthcare costs of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members, approved administrative expenses and investments that widen access to care. The committee said the 2026 formula "emphasises hospital retooling, specialist training and patient support".

The GMTF is aimed at specialised care for chronic and non-communicable diseases. It provides financial support for patients and funds specialist training. Its funding sources include 20% of total National Health Insurance Fund allocations, money approved by Parliament, investment earnings, and grants and donations.

At a press briefing reported on 1 December 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said tariffs paid to NHIS service providers would rise by an average of 120% from 2026 and that MahamaCares was fully operational, with a 2026 budget of GH₵2.3 billion, according to the Information Services Department. Akandoh also said NHIS coverage had risen from 18 million to 20 million people, about 60% of the population, after the fund was uncapped.

Sources

• Graphic Online, 12 February 2026: Parliament approves GH¢9.27bn for NHIA, MahamaCares gets GH¢2.90bn boost

• Information Services Department, 1 December 2025: NHIS Tariffs to Rise 120% as Mahama Cares Begins Operations