Ghana CCM Threatens Protest Over Government’s Failure to Clear Donated Medical Supplies

The Country Coordinating Mechanism (Ghana CCM) of the Global Fund has announced plans to openly protest on June 25, 2024, against the Government’s “inability” to clear the remaining consignment of medical supplies donated by international partners. The group says 120 containers of essential medications, including treatments for Tuberculosis, Malaria, insecticide-treated nets, and rapid diagnostic test kits, remain stranded at the port due to governmental inaction.

In April 2024, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) held a news conference to alert the Government about the locked-up Global Fund commodities. Despite this, the issue persists, prompting Ghana CCM to write an open letter to the President on June 11, 2024. The letter, signed by Acting Chair Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, noted that although 14 out of the 182 containers were cleared following CSO agitations, and an additional 48 were later released, many containers are still “gathering moss” at the port, causing shortages in health facilities.

Mr. Ortsin was concerned over the Government’s inability to clear these critical medical supplies, stating it has raised questions within the international community about Ghana’s control over its ports. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that this delay could strain relations between Ghana and the Global Fund, a vital partner since 2002.

Despite acknowledging the Government’s financial challenges, Mr. Ortsin argued that this should not be an excuse for the current situation. He urged the Government to support the Ministry of Health in finding a lasting solution to clear the remaining medical supplies.

Ghana CCM plans to exercise its civic rights through an open protest and will present a petition to the Government addressing various issues affecting Ghana’s relationship with the Global Fund and other donors.