Why Ghana Turned Down a $300 Million Health Deal with the US: Data Privacy Concerns

Ghana has recently declined a proposed $300 million health agreement with the United States, primarily due to concerns over data privacy. The deal would have allowed US entities access to sensitive health data without adequate safeguards, prompting Ghana to seek improved terms for future negotiations. This decision reflects a growing trend among African nations to prioritize data protection in international agreements. Activists have raised alarms about the lack of sufficient safeguards in such deals, which often favor specific groups. Ghana's Data Protection Commission has emphasized the need for governance oversight in data usage, highlighting the importance of protecting citizens' sensitive information.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 09:53 IST

Ghana's Rejection of US Health Agreement

Accra (Ghana): Ghana has opted out of a proposed health partnership with the United States, citing significant concerns regarding data privacy. This decision marks the latest instance of an African nation stepping back from similar agreements.

The proposed deal would have permitted US organizations to access sensitive health information from Ghana without adequate protective measures, as explained by Arnold Kavaarpuo, the executive director of Ghana's Data Protection Commission.

Kavaarpuo emphasized that the extent of data access requested was excessive compared to standard requirements.

A spokesperson from the US State Department mentioned that details of bilateral discussions are typically confidential but expressed a desire to enhance the partnership between the two nations.

During the Trump administration, the US adopted an 'America First' strategy for global health funding, establishing health agreements with over 30 countries, primarily in Africa. This new strategy replaced previous agreements under the now-defunct United States Agency for International Development.

These agreements promise substantial US funding to assist African nations severely impacted by cuts in US aid, aiming to bolster their public health systems and combat disease outbreaks.

However, these deals have sparked concerns regarding data privacy. For instance, Zimbabwe recently rejected a similar agreement due to worries about health data, fairness, and sovereignty. Zambia has also expressed hesitations about certain aspects of its agreement, although no final decision has been reached.

Activists across Africa argue that these agreements often lack sufficient safeguards for data usage and may be biased in their support, as seen in Nigeria, where US assistance is primarily directed towards Christian healthcare providers.

Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, has also voiced serious concerns regarding data sharing related to these agreements.

Ghana's Stance on Data Usage

The proposed agreement, valued at approximately USD 300 million, would have provided Ghana with around USD 109 million in US funding over five years, supplemented by investments from the Ghanaian government.

Kavaarpuo, who was directly involved in the negotiations, pointed out a significant issue where individuals could be identified as necessary for accessing sensitive health data.

"This effectively meant outsourcing the country's health data management to a foreign entity," he stated. "The proposed data sharing agreement sought access not only to health datasets but also to metadata, dashboards, reporting tools, data models, and data dictionaries."

The terms would have allowed up to ten US entities to access this data without needing prior approval from Ghana for its intended use.

"We did not perceive that Ghana had any genuine governance oversight regarding how the data would be utilized. It was more of a notification system rather than a prior approval process," he added.

Kavaarpuo confirmed that Ghana has officially communicated its decision to the US and is seeking improved terms for a more favorable agreement.