The Minority Caucus in Parliament has threatened to stage a demonstration if the government does not clear all the containers of vital medical supplies currently held at the Tema Port.
This threat comes after the Health Minister issued a two-week ultimatum for the officials to clear the donation of essential supplies provided by the Global Fund to Ghana.
The Health Minister, Bernard Okoe Boye, has pledged to personally visit the port and remain there until the necessary actions are taken at the end of the two-week ultimatum.
Speaking to the press, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, called on the government to promptly clear the containers.
“We previously brought attention to the stockpiled medical supplies and medications at the port. As members of parliament from the Minority, we are committed to urging the government to clear these locked-up supplies and drugs. It’s crucial to note that not all the containers containing drugs and supplies at the port have been cleared,” Akandoh emphasized.
“We are a reasonable group, and while we acknowledge the minister’s request for two weeks, it is nonsensical to request additional time to clear supplies that have been at the port for a year. Nonetheless, we have heard the appeal and want to send a clear signal and warning that within his stipulated two weeks, all, and I stress all, containers holding these drugs must be cleared from the port – not just some, as has been the case,” he added.
Additionally, he urged the government to promptly address the concerns of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union to prevent healthcare workers from seeking opportunities abroad due to grievances.
