The Minority in Parliament has urgently called on the government to grant necessary tax exemptions to facilitate the immediate clearance of antiretroviral drugs and essential medical equipment and supplies currently held up at the nation's ports.

The Minority's plea arises from reports of donated shipments of HIV antiretroviral drugs remaining stranded at the ports since July this year, causing unnecessary shortages for individuals living with HIV.

In a statement released on Friday, the Minority emphasized that those relying on the Abacavir Lamivudine treatment regimen were at an elevated risk of developing drug resistance, rendering the antiretroviral drug ineffective against the virus.

They pointed out that if this risk materialized, it would necessitate additional funding to address the HIV challenge in Ghana.

Consequently, the Minority 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 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.

The Minority emphasized that this situation constituted a national emergency and, if left unchecked, could lead to an increase in Ghana's HIV prevalence rate, heightened morbidity and mortality among individuals living with HIV, and an overall increase in the cost of HIV management in the country.

They concluded by stating that the health and well-being of Ghanaians were of utmost importance and urged the government to act swiftly and responsibly to address this crisis.“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.