‘Utterly pathetic’ — Mahama’s Aide reacts to locked-up medical commodities at Tema port

Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Special Aide to NPP flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has lamented the suspension of Global Fund’s medical shipment to Ghana due to locked-up essential medicines at the Tema port.

According to her, it is utterly pathetic for the government to sit aloof and watch the country lose such critical medical supplies at a time of its economic crisis.

“Global Fund suspends medical shipment to Ghana because US$40 million worth of donated medicines are locked up at the Tema Habour for a year. Officials are demanding US$3.5 million for clearance.

"Utterly pathetic, a country like Ghana on the verge of economic collapse stands to lose critical medical supplies! Ghana deserves better,” said the former deputy transport minister.

This comes amid threats by civil society groups to stage protests over the prolonged delays in clearing HIV, TB and malaria drugs shipped into the country by the Global Fund between May and August last year.

The commodities, valued at approximately $40 million, have remained at the port since arrival due to a disagreement between the Global Fund and the government of Ghana over clearance charges.

While the Global Fund made $400,000 available for costs, the government is demanding an additional $3.6 million in taxes contrary to existing tax exemption agreements for donated medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has announced plans are underway to clear the remaining 182 containers of lifesaving medicines and health commodities stuck at the Tema Port by this coming Friday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 9, the Ministry said it has engaged extensively with the Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs Division and the Ministry of Finance to find a solution.