In a surprising turn of events, the Donald Trump administration has announced that effective today, February 7, 2025, all direct-hire employers of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) globally will be put on administrative leave.
This administrative leave will be followed by a mandatory recall of all personnel of the USAID overseas within 30 days. However, this directive has exempted those critical mission roles.
“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally with the exception of designation personnel responsible for mission-critical functions,” parts of the communique cited by The High Street Journal read.
It further stated that “the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all application requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.”
This action is part of a broader initiative of the US government to restructure USAID. The initiative, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio explains is aimed at effectively dissolving its independence. The new initiative is set to merge USAID with the State Department.
This decision, Marco Rubio who doubles as the acting head of USAID says has become necessary as the agency has become unresponsive hence the drastic restructuring.
Analysts are bemoaning the possible implications of this decision. USAID provides about 42% of the global humanitarian assistance and operates in about 120 countries worldwide.
The recall of staff and halting of programs jeopardize critical services such as food distribution, medical care, and educational initiatives.
For Ghana, critical sectors such as education, health, and the economy are set to take a major hit as the agency supports programs and projects in these initiatives with funds and technical assistance.
In northern Ghana, USAID supports a number of private schools in northern Ghana to deliver quality instruction and sustainable education. The recall of staff puts this initiative in jeopardy.
USAID also supports increasing the adoption of health behaviors and timely use of health services, particularly in northern Ghana. With the suspension of USAID operations, progress in improving health outcomes may stall, affecting efforts to combat diseases and promote maternal and child health.
The agency also provides significant programs that enhance the competitiveness of agricultural firms in domestic, regional, and international markets. The withdrawal of support could hinder efforts to integrate small farmers into supply chains, affecting livelihoods and food security.
On average, Ghana receives US$150 million annually to support initiatives in these sectors. Between 2015 and 2024 the country received $1.55 billion from USAID playing a significant role in the country’s socio-economic development.
This perceived ending of USAID poses severe risks, including increased disease spread, malnutrition, and potential mass starvation. Rebuilding the trust and intricate global assistance networks disrupted by this pause will be challenging and could take years to repair.
