The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has released the initial batch of 14 containers out of a total of 182 containing crucial pharmaceutical supplies required in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
After nearly a year of withholding these supplies, valued at millions of dollars and donated by the Global Fund for Ghana’s disease control efforts, they have now been handed over.
The delay in releasing these vital products was primarily due to third-party fees, demurrage charges, and other associated penalties.
During a brief ceremony held at Tema port, Emmanuel Ohene, Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), emphasized the significance of handing over the initial batch of pharmaceutical products, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery.
How it started
Approximately a year ago, the Global Fund generously donated pharmaceutical supplies aimed at bolstering efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Unfortunately, these invaluable products, valued at millions of dollars, encountered clearance obstacles at Tema port due to associated charges.
Deputy Commissioner Emmanuel Ohene urged various ministries, departments, and agencies to leverage the newly enacted exemption law to facilitate the clearance of goods.
George Winful, Director of the Revenue Policy Division at the Ministry of Finance, disclosed that GH¢40 million is on allocation to cover the cost of the pharmaceutical supplies. However, challenges such as third-party charges and communication issues contributed to the delay in clearance.
In response to these challenges, the ministry collaborated with the GRA, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, revealed that the clearance of the 14 containers incurred a total cost of GH₵17 million. Additionally, he noted that from January to April of the current year, there have been 34 shipments to both the Kotoka International Airport and Tema port.
Read Also: MoFA: We Haven’t Approved Selling Maize and Soybean Goods
