Mahama announces GHS17.8bn health budget, assures Free SHS is stronger than ever
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a substantial increase in Ghana’s healthcare budget for 2025, underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health system at a time of growing local and global challenges.
Addressing journalists at his media encounter in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, the President disclosed that the national health budget has risen by 13.4 percent — moving from GHS15.6 billion in 2024 to GHS17.8 billion this year.
“In 2025 alone, the National Health Budget increased by 13.4 percent, rising from GHS15.6 billion to GHS17.8 billion, one of the most significant increases in recent years,” President Mahama said. “This bold step reflects our recognition of the urgent need to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system in the face of both domestic demands and global health risks.”
The President stressed that the new allocation would go toward improving hospital infrastructure, expanding access to primary healthcare, and supporting the procurement of critical medical supplies. He added that the government was determined to close service delivery gaps across rural and urban areas while equipping frontline health workers with the tools and resources they need.
Beyond healthcare, President Mahama also addressed persistent rumours about the fate of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy under his government. He dismissed suggestions that the programme was at risk, insisting that it has instead received the highest level of budgetary support in its history.
“Contrary to the widespread misinformation that was circulated before the December 7, 2024 elections, the Free SHS has not only been maintained. We have made the highest budget allocation in the history of the policy as at now,” he affirmed.
The President said the education and health investments were aligned with his administration’s broader vision of building a resilient social sector, capable of driving long-term national development.
