Ghana rejected a health deal with the United States on April 29, 2026. The rejection stems from terms requiring Ghana to share sensitive health data. The deal was reportedly worth around $109 million.
This decision follows similar rejections by Zimbabwe and growing concerns among other African nations regarding data sharing and health sovereignty.
The proposed US health deal required Ghana to waive key aspects of its health sovereignty. It would have violated Ghana’s Data Protection Act and Public Health Act.
The US has pursued similar bilateral health deals with at least 32 African countries under the America First Global Health Strategy. Since the closure of USAID in 2025, the US has shifted focus to these bilateral arrangements.
Key facts:
- 1.3 million Zambians supported by US aid for antiretroviral treatment
- $40 billion annual disbursement by USAID before its closure
- $2.5 billion offered to Kenya under similar health deals
- $2.1 billion offered to Nigeria under similar health deals
A government source indicated that the deal is “dead” after US negotiators allegedly became “hostile” and piled “pressure” on Ghana.
Concerns over data privacy are significant. A young professional stated, “Sharing the health data of individuals is very critical.” Another source questioned the need for such data, asking, “What actually is making them ask for health data?”
Emily Bass remarked that the sudden withdrawal of funds for critical components of the HIV response could cause long-term harm to vulnerable groups.
