By Friday, April 12, 2024, the remaining 182 out of 435 containers at the Tema Port that held antiretrovirals, TB, and malaria medications will be cleared out thanks to substantial progress, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has assured the public and its stakeholders.

“We wish to re-assure our stakeholders and the general public that the challenges associated with the clearing of MoH medicines and other commodities from the Tema Port and other points of entry have been conclusively and completely resolved by the Government,” the MoH added in a release issued on Tuesday, April 9.

This follows public outcry caused by delays in the clearance of the Ministry’s medicines and other commodities supported by the Global Fund from the Tema port.

In the statement, the MoH clarified that 435 containers carrying anti-HIV, TB, and malaria medications as well as mosquito nets for distribution throughout the nation were received at the Tema Port between August 2023 and February 2024 as part of the Global Fund’s ongoing support to the Government of Ghana.

With the assistance of the government, the MoH reported that it successfully and quickly removed 253 of the 435 containers from the port, leaving 182 behind.

“The management of MoH, has since initiated a process of extensive engagement with the management of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Customs Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS), led by the Commissioner-General, Ms. Julie Essiam, and officials of Ministry of Finance (MoF), Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (CCM-Ghana), and Covid-19 Response Mechanism, aimed at securing the expeditious clearing of the remaining 182 containers, and forestalling future delays in the clearing of MoH medicines and other commodities.”

“It is noteworthy that the engagements have led to the development of a robust roadmap which clearly provides impetus to the immediate next steps and way forward for collaboration and corporation between MoH, MOF, GRA and stakeholders, moving forward in this regard,” it stated.

In order to make sure that the health needs of every citizen of the nation are given priority, the MoH, the MoF, the GRA, and other stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to working consistently and meaningfully together.