Health Minister Reacts as UN Family Planning Supplies Sit at Tema Port Since 2024

Family Planning: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has expressed surprise over reports that family planning commodities donated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have been left at the Tema Port since August 2024 without being cleared.

Speaking during a media briefing on April 13, the Minister said he was not aware of the prolonged delay. He noted that he had assumed the essential reproductive health supplies, intended to support health facilities and prevent stock-outs, had already been processed and distributed.

“I wasn’t aware of the situation. The last time we heard about these items was in 2024, and I thought they had long been cleared. As we speak, the Director responsible has been queried, and the issue is being addressed. It is unfortunate, and we are assuring our development partners that efforts are underway to resolve it,” he stated.

The issue has sparked concern among civil society organisations, particularly the SDGs platform, as well as members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund. They warn that delays in clearing the commodities could worsen shortages of contraceptives in health facilities across the country.

Family Planning Shortage

Health experts have also raised concerns that limited access to family planning services may lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and additional pressure on Ghana’s already stretched maternal and child health services.

The delayed shipment reportedly contains contraceptive implants, injectable contraceptives, oral pills, and other essential reproductive health commodities procured to support Ghana’s national family planning programme. These supplies were expected to be distributed nationwide through the Ghana Health Service and partner facilities.

This is not the first time Ghana has faced challenges with delays in clearing critical medical supplies at the port. Stakeholders have consistently called for stronger coordination among relevant agencies to ensure timely clearance and distribution of donated health commodities.

The Health Ministry says it is currently working with relevant authorities to fast-track the clearance process. It has also pledged to strengthen internal monitoring systems to prevent similar delays in the future and ensure that essential medical supplies reach health facilities without interruption.

Source: MoH