The Ministry of Health’s claims that the uncleared containers at the Tema Port contain only mosquito nets and not TB and HIV drugs has been met with skepticism by Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George.
During his submission on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Thursday, June 13, Sam George accused the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer of dishonesty and challenged Health Minister Dr. Okoe Boye to provide evidence to support their claims.
“I dare the Health Minister to come clean and tell Ghanaians that there are no TB drugs in the containers at the port. The Ministry’s lies are unacceptable,” Sam George said.
“It’s appalling that our government has failed to clear life-saving medical supplies donated by the Global Fund over a year ago, despite being free of charge. Our hospitals have run out of these essential medicines, while the containers remain stuck at the port. This is a clear indication that our government does not prioritize the welfare and health of its citizens. I am challenging Dr. Okoe Boye, the health minister to look into the Cameras and tell the Ghanaian people that there are no TB drugs in the containers at the port. These lies cannot wash,” said Sam George who appeared alongside Dr. Okoe Boye, the Health Minister on the show.
The Global Fund’s donation was meant to support Ghana’s healthcare system, but the delay in clearing the supplies has raised questions about the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
Disturbingly, a huge chunk of the commodities is expected to expire by the first quarter of 2025, if not cleared immediately for use by patients. The government is only required to cater for the taxes, levies, and port charges for the clearance of the commodities.
Ernest Ortsin, Interim Chairman of the Global Fund Community, has expressed grave concerns about the government’s lack of interest in clearing essential medical commodities for tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and malaria treatment stuck at the port.
By: Vanessa Edotom Boateng | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
