Ghana Urged to Seek Independent Solutions Amidst USAID Funding Cuts
Ghana Urged to Seek Independent Solutions Amidst USAID Funding Cuts
Ghana Urged to Seek Independent Solutions Amidst USAID Funding Cuts
Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has called for the country to develop independent solutions to its challenges, following the cancellation of USAID funding for several key projects.
During a visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on February 18, 2025, Mohammed expressed concern over the impact of the funding cuts on CSIR, revealing that five major projects, including those on cattle breeding, cowpea breeding, rice breeding, and maize breeding, have been affected.
The minister emphasized that Ghana must find alternative means to support its research, stating, “It’s their money, so they decide how to use it. But it’s time for us, as a people, to add value to our own research and find the funding ourselves.”
Mohammed’s concerns are echoed by President John Mahama, who has also called for African self-reliance in the face of shifting global priorities. The president noted that the withdrawal of USAID funding presents an opportunity for Ghana to become more self-sufficient and reduce its dependence on foreign aid.
Ghana receives an average of $150 million in funding from USAID annually, which supports various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and governance. For 2025, the government has requested $137.7 million to fund programs in these sectors.
As Ghana navigates this challenge, Mohammed’s call for independent solutions serves as a reminder of the need for the country to develop innovative and self-sustaining solutions to its development challenges.
