Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has condemned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for its handling of essential health commodities. Thompson expressed grave concerns about the delayed access to crucial health supplies, highlighting potential repercussions for the country’s fight against malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and family planning efforts.
Thompson revealed that despite efforts by concerned individuals to donate medical drugs to support the health sector, these supplies have been stalled at the port. According to Thompson, health commodities worth millions have been stranded since 2023, including vital malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and family planning supplies. The delay is reportedly threatening Ghana’s progress in controlling malaria and other health issues.
Thompson criticized the government, stating that while the Ministry of Health and the Finance Ministry could arrange for the clearance of these goods, no significant efforts have been made to address the situation. He and other organizations are preparing to petition the health ministry to expedite the clearance of the medications.
He stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding and domestic dialogues to resolve the issue, advocating for measures to ensure that health commodities are promptly made available to the public. “Equitable access to medications is crucial for ensuring that all Ghanaians can lead healthy and productive lives,” Thompson emphasized.
ASEPA also highlighted the broader implications of the delay. The organization condemned the Ministry of Health’s failure to clear family planning medications donated by international partners, which have been sitting at the Tema port for over six months. This delay has led to severe shortages in regional medical stores, affecting women’s health across the country.
ASEPA’s statement revealed that the Ministry of Health had informed donor partners that it lacked the funds to cover clearance costs, despite the urgent need for these supplies. The organization warned that the Ministry’s inaction is putting lives at risk and exacerbating the shortage of critical medications.
“The situation is dire. Family planning medications are essential for preventing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal and infant health. The Ministry of Health’s inaction is unacceptable and endangering countless lives,” ASEPA stated.
The organization also noted similar issues in the past, including a case where medical supplies donated to the government were left to deteriorate at the port for nearly a year. Additionally, a donor had to reroute a donation of medical equipment to another country after being faced with exorbitant import duties.
ASEPA argued that these recurring problems are damaging Ghana’s reputation and jeopardizing the goodwill of international donors. “The trend of bureaucratic inefficiency is discouraging donors from assisting Ghana, which is particularly concerning given the current economic challenges,” Thompson added.
The delay in clearing these medications has significant implications for Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly for family planning and public health initiatives. ASEPA’s statement called for immediate action by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to address the issue and prevent further disruption to essential health services.
Story By: Linda Yeboa
