Policy Director at the Ministry of Finance, George Winful, has shed light on the reasons behind the delayed clearance of medical supplies at the Tema Port.
According to Mr. Winful, the late receipt of crucial information played a significant role in the clearance hold-up.
During a press briefing on Friday, April 12, Mr. Winful revealed that out of the 182 containers stuck at the port, only 14 had been cleared by the Ministry of Health. These containers housed essential medicines and other medical supplies that were urgently needed.
To address these delays and prevent similar situations in the future, Mr. Winful announced the formation of an inter-agency committee involving various stakeholders. This committee will work together to streamline processes and ensure smoother clearance of medical supplies in the future.
Mr. Winful explained, “Our investigations have shown that the delay in clearance was partly due to the inability to pay associated charges upon arrival at the port. Furthermore, there seems to be a lack of understanding among some players in the health sector regarding exemption arrangements, which also contributed to the delay.”
To avoid such urgent situations in the future, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, and other relevant agencies will come together to form an inter-governmental committee.
This committee will proactively address any issues that may arise in the clearance process of medical supplies, ensuring a more efficient and effective system in place.
