The Minority in Parliament has urgently requested the government to issue necessary tax exemptions, allowing the immediate clearance of antiretroviral drugs and essential medical equipment and supplies currently held up at the country's ports.

Their demand arises from the alleged neglect of donated containers containing HIV antiretroviral drugs since July this year at the ports, resulting in unnecessary shortages for Persons Living with HIV.

In a statement released on Friday, the minority caucus emphasized that individuals living with HIV, who rely on the Abacavir Lamivudine treatment, face an increased risk of developing resistance to this antiretroviral drug, making it ineffective against the virus.

Furthermore, the Minority cautioned that if this risk materializes, the government will require additional funding to address the HIV challenge in Ghana.

The Minority, therefore, demanded that “The Ministry of Finance as a matter of urgency issue the necessary tax exemption waivers to ensure that immediate clearance of the antiretroviral drugs and other medical equipment and consumables; implement an automated tax exemption waiver system for medical consumables and equipment to curtail needless delays in clearing such items at the port and institute reforms at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure that systemic failures that lead to needless delays in the performance of its functions are eradicated.”

The Minority underscored that it was a national emergency and if unchecked could lead to an increase in the prevalence rate of HIV in Ghana, an increase in morbidity and mortality for Persons Living with HIV, and an increase in the overall cost of HIV management in Ghana.

“The Health and well-being of Ghanaians are non-negotiable, and we urge the government to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing this crisis,” it added.