Ghana has formally rejected a proposed health sector agreement with the United States, citing concerns over data privacy and national control of sensitive health information.
The decision was confirmed by the Ghana Data Protection Commission, whose Executive Director Arnold Kavaarpuo said the initial terms would have allowed extensive access to Ghana’s health data by US-based institutions without sufficient safeguards.
According to officials, the proposed agreement valued at around $300 million would have provided Ghana with approximately $109 million over five years to support health sector development. However, the data-sharing provisions raised significant red flags.
Kavaarpuo said the draft terms would have permitted up to 10 US institutions to access not only health data repositories but also metadata, system dashboards, information systems, data models and data dictionaries, in some cases without prior approval from Ghanaian authorities.
“This level of access goes far beyond what is typically allowed in such agreements,” he indicated, warning that it risked exposing sensitive national data without adequate oversight.
Analysts say the structure of the deal effectively raised concerns about transferring control of critical digital infrastructure to external actors, a growing issue as African countries expand digitization in healthcare systems.
The rejection reflects a broader trend across the continent, where governments are increasingly scrutinizing international data-sharing agreements. Countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia have also pushed back on similar proposals, citing sovereignty and data security concerns.
Ghana has since opened discussions with US counterparts, signaling willingness to renegotiate under revised terms that better protect national interests and the privacy of its citizens.
The development highlights rising tensions between the need for international health financing and the growing importance of data governance, as countries seek to balance foreign partnerships with control over strategic digital assets.
