Stuck family planning supplies to be cleared at Port – Health minister

The Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says he was unaware that family planning commodities donated by the United Nations Population Fund had remained at the Tema Port since August 2024, describing the situation as unfortunate.

Speaking during a media engagement on April 13, the Minister indicated he had assumed the supplies meant to support reproductive health services and prevent stock-outs across health facilities had long been cleared.

He disclosed that the director responsible has been queried and assured development partners and the public that steps are being taken to immediately resolve the delay and prevent a recurrence.

‘‘On the family planning items, the last time we heard about it was in 2024. I must say that I wasn’t aware. I thought it had been long cleared. As we speak the Director in charge has been queried. It’s being worked on as we speak and I assure you it will be cleared. It’s unfortunate and we want to let the donors know that we need more.’’

The development follows concerns raised by the CSOs platform on SDGs and stakeholders, including members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund, who warned that the prolonged delay could worsen shortages of contraceptives across public health facilities.

Health experts say limited access to family planning commodities could lead to increased unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and added pressure on already stretched maternal and child health services.

The consignment reportedly includes contraceptive implants, injectables, oral pills and other reproductive health supplies procured to support Ghana’s family planning programme. The items were expected to be distributed nationwide to support services under the Ghana Health Service and partner facilities.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised over delays in clearing essential health commodities at the port, with stakeholders previously calling for improved coordination among relevant agencies to avoid disruptions in service delivery.

The Health Minister says the Ministry is engaging the appropriate authorities to fast-track clearance of the items and strengthen internal monitoring systems to ensure donated medical supplies reach health facilities on time.