The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reacted to reports of some containers which contain medicines donated to Ghana stuck at the Tema Port.
In a release, the MoH stated that 253 out of the 435 containers had been successfully cleared.
The Ministry further indicated that it has initiated a process to clear the remaining 182 containers, containing the anti-HIV, TB and malaria medicines and mosquito nets by Friday, April 12, 2024
"The management of MoH, has since initiated a process of extensive engagement with the management of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), led by the Commissioner General, Ms Julie Essiam and officials of Ministry of Finance (MoF), Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Globa; Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (CCM-Ghana), and Covid-19 Response Mechanism, aimed at securing the expeditious clearing of the remaining 182 containers and forestalling future delays in the clearing of MoH medicines and other commodities."
Reports say Global Fund has halted the shipment of crucial medical supplies to Ghana, citing delays in clearing previous donations stuck at the Tema Port.
The Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis (ACHPR&A) expressed grave concern over the government’s inaction in expediting the release of these donated supplies.
Dr. Thomas Anaba, Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis, in an interview criticizing the government’s lackadaisical approach to clearing vital health commodities.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the visit of a Global Fund delegation that yielded no progress.
The delays have also alarmed the Ghana AIDS Commission and a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focusing on HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The CSOs have announced a protest on April 17th over the prolonged detention of essential medical supplies.
“A 12-member delegation from the Global Fund paid a working visit to this country to follow up on the locked-up commodities. In spite of all their efforts, they did not make any headway and the commodities still remain uncleared at the ports.
“They have therefore indicated that Ghana risks losing all Global Fund Support if the government fails to act on the matter. To start with, they have already suspended all commodity shipments to the country until the ones at the ports are cleared.
“This development has dire consequences for the hundreds of thousands of our compatriots on free medications donated by Global Fund.”
