MOF, GRA & MOH collaborate to clear pharmaceuticals from port

In a collaborative effort to address the pressing healthcare needs of the nation, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Ministry of Health (MOH) have joined forces to expedite the clearance of crucial pharmaceuticals supplied through the Global Fund, from
the Tema port.

Amidst concerns over the delay in releasing medical supplies, the collective efforts of these key stakeholders resulted in the successful clearance of 14 containers of vital medicines. This significant move is expected to help safeguard public health and ensure access to essential medicines for all citizens.

Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, lauded the collaborative spirit of MOF, GRA, and MOH in addressing the challenges and expediting the clearance process. “The successful clearance of these pharmaceuticals is a testament to the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved,” he remarked.

The deliberate prioritization to clear 14 containers of essential medicinal items, including malaria medicines, test kits and injections, underscored a strategic approach to release the perishable items first. The three institutions further pledged to ensure the clearing of the remaining containers and the timely delivery of life-saving medicines to support public health initiatives and combat diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

The Ministry of Health further anticipates the entire clearance process to be finalized in the coming days. Once cleared, all delivered supplies will be transported to warehouses for nationwide distribution.

With the continued collaboration and concerted efforts of all stakeholders, there is renewed optimism for the expeditious clearance and delivery of crucial medical supplies.

Alhaji Hafiz Adam, explained that ten containers containing malaria diagnostic tests, one container of malaria injections and three containers of malaria medicines will be dispatched to a warehouse.

He disclosed that the clearance cost for these containers amounts to GH¢17 million.

He added that approximately 168 more containers, containing non-medicine commodities like bed nets and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), are set to be cleared at a cost of GH¢17 million.

As part of the ongoing Global Fund project, Mr. Adam explained that significant progress has been achieved. Out of the total 435 containers, the government’s assistance has facilitated the clearance of 267 containers, leaving 168 containers yet to be cleared.

“Let me state emphatically that, to date, approximately 267 containers out of the 435 containers of Global Fund supplies have been cleared from the Tema Port. We still have about 168 containers left to be cleared, at an estimated cost of approximately seventeen million cedis,” he declared.

Acknowledging the necessity of comprehensive support in health investment, encompassing both financial and technical aspects, Mr. Adam expresses optimism that the ministry, its agencies, and the public will persist in supporting its mission of ensuring quality healthcare access for all Ghanaians.

Regarding taxes, George Winful, the Director of the Revenue Policy Division at the Ministry of Finance, revealed that certain taxes are exempted under the Exemptions Act. Consequently, the ministry has allocated a special provision of GH¢40 million to cover transnational taxes, including the African Union (A.U.) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Levy.

He reiterated that the ministry will persist in bridging the knowledge gap through sensitisation efforts with stakeholders, as many participants in the health delivery chain still lack understanding of the exemption arrangements, leading to delays in consignments at the port.

To prevent delays in the clearance of health delivery consignments, he said an intergovernmental committee is being established. This committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Its purpose will be to collaborate and address any such issues promptly and ensure swift resolution.

He expressed gratitude to the country’s development partners for their continuous support and reassured them of the profound impact their assistance is having in advancing Ghana’s progress.

The Deputy Commissioner responsible for Operations at the Customs Division, Emmanuel Ohene, who represented the Commissioner General of GRA, encouraged all ministries, departments and agencies to collaborate with GRA and leverage the new exemption law to clear eligible goods.

This, he said will avoid charges, penalty and demurrage at the port.

He added: “The consignments we are here to hand over were eligible for exemption, however there were some outstanding liabilities for third party clearance fees, charges, rent demurrage and other penalties which led to the goods being kept here at the port”.

Mr. Ohene emphasised that it is GRA’s priority to engage with stakeholders across all sectors to ensure that the Authority serves its clients’ needs with integrity, fairness and empathy.

 

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