The Alliance for Social Equity & Public Accountability (ASEPA), a prominent civil society organization committed to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, has issued a strong statement condemning the Ministry of Health’s failure to clear vital family planning medications donated to Ghana by international partners.

According to ASEPA, these medications have been languishing at the Tema port for over six months, creating a severe shortage in medical supplies that is affecting women across the country.

ASEPA’s statement highlighted the alarming situation in regional medical stores across Ghana, where family planning medications have been in short supply since February 2024.

ASEPA noted with concern that while these essential medications were donated by international partners to help address the country’s healthcare needs, they have been left unattended at the port due to the Ministry of Health’s inability to clear them.

ASEPA’s investigations revealed that the Ministry has informed donor partners that it lacks the necessary funds to cover the clearance costs, despite the urgent need for these supplies.

“Family planning medications are critical for the health and well-being of women across Ghana, and the Ministry of Health’s inaction is putting countless lives at risk. The situation is dire, and we cannot afford to let this continue.”
Mensah Thompson, Executive Director, ASEPA

The current situation is not an isolated incident, according to ASEPA. The organization pointed out that just a few months ago, similar medical supplies donated to the government were left to rot at the port for nearly a year.

In another instance, a donor who intended to provide medical equipment to the government was forced to re-route the donation to another country after being asked to pay a hefty import duty at the port.

These recurring issues, ASEPA argued, are damaging Ghana’s reputation and threatening the goodwill of international donors who have been instrumental in supporting the country’s healthcare system.

“This trend of neglect and bureaucratic inefficiency is stifling donors’ appetite to assist Ghana with much-needed medical supplies. “
At a time when government finances are severely constrained due to the current economic downturn, we cannot afford to scare away these benevolent donors.”
Mensah Thompson, Executive Director, ASEPA

The prolonged delay in clearing these family planning medications has far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s healthcare system. Family planning is a critical component of public health, helping to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and improve the overall health and economic well-being of families.

The shortage of these medications in regional medical stores has left many women without access to essential reproductive health services, exacerbating the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing population growth and ensuring the health of mothers and children.

ASEPA’s statement underscored the urgency of addressing this issue, calling on the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to take immediate action.

“The government’s failure to act swiftly not only undermines the efforts of our international partners but also jeopardizes the health of Ghanaian women who rely on these medications for their reproductive health needs.”
Mensah Thompson, Executive Director, ASEPA

ASEPA’s Ultimatum to the Ministry of Health

In light of the Ministry’s inaction, ASEPA has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to clear the family planning medications from the Tema port.

The organization has warned that if the medications are not released within this timeframe, it will mobilize Ghanaian women who are in urgent need of these supplies to stage a demonstration at the Ministry.

“We are prepared to take action if the government fails to fulfill its responsibilities. The health and well-being of our citizens should be the top priority, and we will not stand by while essential medications are left to waste.”
Mensah Thompson, Executive Director, ASEPA

ASEPA’s press release sheds light on broader issues of governance, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s public institutions. The organization’s call to action is a reminder of the critical role civil society plays in holding the government accountable and advocating for the rights of citizens.