The Ministry of Health (MoH) has stated that it has received cash to remove locked-up Global Fund medical supplies that are currently being detained at the port.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry stated that it received 283 containers of various supplies from the Global Fund via Tema port.
The products comprised 272 containers of mosquito nets (ITNs), two containers of pharmaceuticals (ARVA, HIV RDTs, and ACTS), and eight containers of medical equipment.
“In accordance with the above, the Ministry of Health with the assistance of the Ministry of Finance secured auction chits for the clearance of 219 containers, leaving an outstanding 64 containers without chits. However, the Ministry’s inability to clear the commodities at the port was as a result of third-party charges amounting to GH¢ 7,429,694,39.”
“Further to the above, a request letter was sent to the Ministry of Finance to assist in the securing of auction chits for the outstanding 64 containers which comprise one TB medication container the remaining mosquito nets and the outstanding third-party charges,” the MoH stated.
The Ministry has received GH¢7,429,694.39 from the Ministry of Finance to pay demurrage for clearing all Global Fund outstanding containers at Tema Port.
“This amount is expected to complement the payment of third-party charges as outlined above. It is expected that with the funds received, all outstanding containers will be cleared by the end of June 2024,” it added.
The Ministry asked Ghanaians and stakeholders to remain patient as they worked to guarantee the clearance and delivery of these critical commodities for the sake of public health.
“The Ministry of Health reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting the interests and well-being of all Ghanaians through the provision of high-quality services, programmes and policies,” it added.
