The National House of Chiefs has pledged its full support for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF), committing to promote the initiative nationwide to help more Ghanaians living with chronic illnesses access financial assistance for specialised care.
The commitment came during a courtesy visit in Kumasi by the Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, who appealed to the House to help deepen public awareness and encourage eligible patients to take advantage of the scheme.
She described traditional leaders as trusted voices within their communities, saying their influence would be crucial in ensuring the Fund reaches those who need it most.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, established by President John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at easing the financial burden on patients battling non-communicable diseases such as cancer, kidney failure requiring dialysis, heart conditions and stroke.
According to Ms Darko-Opoku, working with the National House of Chiefs would also reduce the pressure on traditional rulers, who are often called upon to assist families facing the high cost of medical treatment.
“The Ghana Medical Trust Fund provides a lasting national solution that complements the generosity of our chiefs. It means they will no longer have to shoulder this burden alone,” she said.
She added that while government established the Fund, its long-term success would depend on strong partnerships with institutions that enjoy public trust. She therefore urged chiefs to help educate their communities, support eligible applicants and counter misinformation about the programme.
Ms Darko-Opoku also highlighted progress made so far, including nationwide health facility assessments, the development of a digital application and claims platform, beneficiary support systems, and plans to establish cardiac catheterisation laboratories at Korle Bu, Komfo Anokye and Tamale Teaching Hospitals.
Responding on behalf of the House, its President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, assured the delegation of the chiefs’ full commitment to the success of the initiative.
He said the National House of Chiefs would actively promote the Fund and educate communities on how it can ease the financial burden of specialised healthcare.
He also encouraged regional and traditional councils to replicate similar engagements in their jurisdictions and act as ambassadors for the programme.
Ogyeahoho Gyebi II commended the Fund’s leadership for recognising the role of traditional authorities in national development, expressing confidence that the collaboration would help extend its reach across the country.
Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene described the endorsement as a major boost for public confidence in the initiative, noting that the influence of chiefs would encourage wider acceptance of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Health Minister, Dr Hafez Adam Taher also thanked the House for its support, saying the partnership would be key to ensuring that no Ghanaian is denied treatment due to financial constraints.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, also joined the delegation.
The endorsement is expected to significantly strengthen public awareness of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund and improve access to specialised healthcare for patients living with chronic diseases nationwide.