Head of the Center for Ageing Studies, Professor Joseph Osafo, has alleged that there has been a delay in clearing some containers containing medical supplies at the Tema Port due to some mischievous individuals who sought to make money from the situation.

Engaging Kwame Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's Kokrokro Show, Professor Osafo noted that some individuals sought to take advantage of the bureaucracy involved in ensuring the containers are cleared.

He expressed surprise that the government spent over 6 months to clear some containers it received for free.

"This is for the government and there are numerous challenges. These are not our individual items, so imagine if government faces this challenge in clearing its goods, then what will happen to the average Ghanaian. These are essential items. These are medicines donated to the country.

"Sometimes, there is bureaucracy because someone wants to make money from somewhere. I have said it and it is true. Did you see the placards used by some aggrieved nurses in Kumasi. One of the placards read that we will not pay any fee for special placement. What is this?" he quizzed.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has eventually cleared some 14 out of 182 containers at the Tema Port, holding antiretrovirals, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria medicines that were donated by the Global Fund.

The Government of Ghana received 435 containers at the Tema Port between August 2023 and February 2024 containing anti-HIV, TB and malaria medicines and mosquito nets for distribution across the country.

The clearance comes after intense pressure was mounted on the Ministry of Health by stakeholders in the health sector and members of the general public over the delay in the release of the drugs.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) assured its stakeholders and the public that significant progress has been made in clearing the remaining containers holding antiretrovirals, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria medicines by Friday, 12th April 2024.

The Health Ministry pledged that some 20 containers would be cleared on Friday, but only 14 containers were cleared. A handing-over ceremony was held to announce this latest development.

At the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Ohene, revealed that a special provision of GHC40 million was made by the Ministry of Finance to cover transnational taxes, AU and ECOWAS levies on the containers.

What remained outstanding were third-party charges, which the donors, per reports, had decided to take up.

"Unfortunately, upon arrival of the consignment at the port, the associated charges could not be paid. This information was also not communicated to the Ministry of Finance on time," Emmanuel Ohene said.

Earlier, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Health raised concerns about the government's ability to resolve the issue of delayed lifesaving drugs stuck at the port.

Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health Policy Research and Analysis, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has revealed that the delay in clearing medical supplies donated by the Global Fund has resulted in a significant increase in tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS cases.

“There is an increase in the cases of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS from last year’s figure, and the complications of people dying from AIDS have also increased. Women getting malaria during pregnancy have increased because of this.”

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has assured that the remaining containers will be cleared this week.