At the recent World Health Summit in Geneva, the Global Fund delivered a stern warning to the Ghanaian delegation, which included members of the parliamentary select committee, the Minister of Health, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, the CEO of the NHIA, and members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund Ghana. The Fund threatened to sever ties with Ghana if the commodities are not urgently cleared.

The delay, which has persisted since May last year, is due to the government’s failure to provide funds to cover ECOWAS and African Union levies on the drugs. These crucial commodities, valued at $40 million and intended to support HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria programs, have been stuck at the port, raising alarm among stakeholders and civil society organizations, some of which have threatened to protest.

For months, stakeholders have warned of imminent shortages of antiretroviral and other critical medications. Reports indicate that health facilities are already experiencing looming shortages of TB and HIV drugs. There are concerns that Ghana may not receive further supplies of essential medical commodities if these clearance issues continue.

Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, the interim Chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Ghana, noted that the Global Fund is considering drastic measures. "We have urged the government as much as we can, but it appears they are not listening or interested. Some medications are set to expire in the first quarter of 2025, leading to wastage and further requests for donor funds to dispose of them, which is unacceptable," Mr. Ortsin stated.

He further explained, "Since the Global Fund's inception in 2002, this is the first time they are facing such a situation. They are very concerned and have informed the Health Minister that if the commodities are not cleared, they will sever ties with Ghana due to a lack of justifiable excuses to their donors."

Despite government claims that the drug containers have been cleared, the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism disputes this. Samuel Hackman, Executive Secretary of CCM Ghana, explained that even with the Global Fund's support, third-party charges amounting to $7 million need to be settled before clearance can proceed.

"We were told that after tax waivers, third-party charges remained. We negotiated with the Global Fund for support, which was provided, and expected this to trigger the clearance of the goods. However, in a recent meeting with the grant manager in Geneva, it was made clear that this is an existential issue, and the Fund is contemplating severing ties, holding on only for the sake of the Ghanaian people," Mr. Hackman stated.

Meanwhile, presidential Advisor on Health Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare reassured that the government is committed to resolving the issue, although he could not provide a specific timeline. "It's an unfortunate situation. We are working on it. Leaving items at the port for too long incurs demurrages, which complicates the problem. We are seeking a solution. I urge anyone responsible to sign the necessary paperwork so we can clear these commodities from the port," he said.

Source by 3news.com