Photo by Ernest Ankomah/Getty Images

Ghana has rejected a proposed $109 million health deal with the United States, citing concerns over how sensitive citizen data would be handled.

The West African nation has walked away from talks on a multi-year aid agreement after Washington reportedly demanded access to citizens’ personal data. This is according to a source close to the government who spoke to AFP. The same source shared that when Ghana pushed back, the US team allegedly became “hostile” and applied increasing pressure.

Image Credit: Claudia Lacave / Hans Lucas

Despite A Seemingly Beneficial Relationship, Ghana Is Standing Its Grounds

The deal was part of the broader America First Global Health Strategy, under which at least 32 agreements worth around $20.6 billion had been signed as of April 27. More than a dozen African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Lesotho and Eswatini — have already signed on.

For context, the US and Ghana have seemingly had a healthy relationship of sorts: the US disbursed approximately $219.4 million to Ghana in 2024 and $138.5 million in 2025, funding sectors like agriculture and healthcare, according to ForeignAssistance.gov. Making this resistance for the sake of citizen data even more noteworthy. 

Widespread Concerns About Data Privacy

Ghana isn’t alone in its resistance. Zimbabwe has also rejected a similar deal, citing concerns over data sharing without clear benefits such as access to vaccines or treatments. Officials reportedly raised red flags around data access, control, and protection, particularly the risk of multiple foreign entities accessing national health records without proper oversight.

Beyond the funding, this signals something bigger: African countries are beginning to prioritise data protection, privacy, and digital independence in their global partnerships.