According to Dr. Khalid, reallocating domestic revenue, leveraging crowdfunding initiatives, and re-engaging with international financial institutions are among the possible strategies to manage the funding shortfall resulting from the U.S. government’s decision to temporarily halt support.

“The President has taken the right step by issuing this directive, injecting confidence into the system, and demonstrating that he has a firm grasp of the situation. He has appointed the right person, the Finance Minister, who can assemble a competent team to resolve the issue.

“Effective directives have been given to restore confidence in the system, including reallocating domestic revenue, leveraging crowdfunding initiatives, engaging with international financial institutions, and exploring alternative funding sources these are all on the table,” he said.

President Mahama has instructed Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to take urgent action to address the funding gap created by the suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme.

A February 11 statement from the Presidency highlighted Mahama’s deep concern over the estimated $156 million deficit, warning of its potential impact on critical health and social intervention programs.

Of particular urgency is a $78.2 million shortfall, which threatens essential services such as malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, reproductive health, and nutrition.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the U.S. government’s primary agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance.

USAID works to promote global economic development, humanitarian assistance, and democratic governance. It operates in over 100 countries, collaborating with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners to foster sustainable development and reduce poverty globally.