The Ministry of Health has announced the receipt of GHC7.4 million from the government to clear locked-up commodities from the Global Fund at the Tema port.
This announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
The release of these funds follows a 24-hour ultimatum from the Minority Caucus in Parliament, demanding immediate action to clear the commodities that have been held at the port for over a year.
These medical supplies, donated by the Global Fund for Community Foundation, were provided to Ghana free of charge, with the government’s responsibility limited to covering taxes, levies, and port charges, estimated at US$3.6 million.
In response to the prolonged delay, the Ministry stated: “The Ministry of Health has now received an amount of GHC7,429,694.39 from the Ministry of Finance for the payment of demurrage for the clearance of all Global Fund outstanding containers at the Tema Port. This amount is expected to complement the payment of third-party charges as outlined above.”
The delay in clearing these life-saving commodities has drawn major criticism, highlighting the urgent need for efficient handling of essential medical supplies in the country.
Some of these drugs are alleged to have already expired.
