Ghana walking away from US health deal a good move - CDD Fellow
Dr. Kwame Sarpong-Asiedu described government's decision to cancel a proposed health agreement with the United States as a prudent move. He argues that "health data are national security data because it contains information about citizens and if a third party gets access to them, he or she can use it against the country."
Dr. Sarpong-Asiedu noted that the deal would have granted the United States access to Ghana's health data for 25 years. He said the deal also restricted Ghana from patenting drugs developed using the data and limited the ability of the Food and Drugs Authority to re-evaluate certain medicines already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. He stated, "Part of the deal said the US will have access to Ghana's health data for 25 years, no right to patent any drugs produced from using the data, and also after the US Food and Drugs Authority had approved a specific drug, the Food and Drugs Authority in Ghana has no right to also look into such drugs again." Ghana could have received about $109 million in support under the proposed arrangement.
According to a Reuters report, Ghana pulled out of negotiations after disagreements over demands for access to sensitive national health data. Negotiations, which began in November 2025, reportedly stalled after Ghana objected to provisions it considered unacceptable regarding data sharing and control. The deal formed part of the United States' broader "America First Global Health Strategy."
Quick Summary
A CDD Public Health Fellow, Dr. Kwame Sarpong-Asiedu, weighs in on Ghana's decision regarding a proposed health agreement with the United States. He highlights the sensitive nature of health data and potential implications for national security - but what specific concerns were raised?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
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