A coalition comprising 55 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana has issued an urgent appeal to the government to swiftly clear vital Family Planning (FP) commodities that have been stuck at the Tema Port for over seven months. These supplies, valued at approximately $1.6 million and donated by the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have faced delays due to unpaid duties and accruing demurrage fees. The Coalition emphasizes that this prolonged delay is exacerbating a national shortage of contraceptives, which poses serious public health risks such as increased cases of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality. They argue that clearing these FP commodities is essential for mitigating these risks and advancing public health initiatives in the country.
The Coalition warns that if the delayed commodities are not delivered promptly, Ghana could witness significant increases in health crises, including an estimated 62,728 unsafe abortions, 2,514 child deaths, and 255 maternal deaths. From a financial perspective, they point out that the timely resolution of this situation could lead to savings exceeding GHC 200 million in healthcare costs for the government. They stress that the impact of these commodities is crucial, as they provide essential contraceptive supplies to both central and regional medical stores and health facilities across the nation. Without these supplies, Ghana risks undermining the progress made in improving health outcomes for its population, notably maternal, newborn, and child health indicators.
Ghana’s commitment to family planning has been underscored by the recent launch of the Ghana Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (GFPCIP). This initiative aims to ensure that by 2030, all individuals of reproductive age have equitable access to quality Family Planning information, commodities, and services, aligning the country’s goals with international benchmarks set by FP2030 and other health initiatives. However, the current stockout of essential FP commodities poses a significant threat to realizing these objectives. The Coalition argues that the prolonged delays in clearing these supplies undermine not only Ghana’s national commitment to reproductive health but also its global reputation and relationships with international health organizations.
In their call to action, the Coalition urges the government to take immediate steps to clear the FP commodities by paying the required duties and demurrage fees. They stress the importance of establishing measures to prevent similar delays in the future, emphasizing the need for proactive and decisive actions that would protect future donations and their timely delivery to health facilities. Additionally, they call for a thorough quality control assessment of the FP commodities after they are cleared from the port to ensure safety and efficacy for the users.
The Coalition’s statement encapsulates a broader concern for the health and well-being of Ghanaians, particularly concerning reproductive health. Highlighting the potential human and financial costs of the current shortages, they maintain that resolving the stagnation of FP commodities is paramount for the country to honor its national and international health commitments. The emphasis on the need for collaboration between government entities and civil society organizations underlines the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in addressing reproductive health challenges.
In conclusion, the Coalition of CSOs remains committed to advocating for improved health outcomes in Ghana, focusing on reproductive health and family planning initiatives. They express a willingness to collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate the removal of barriers to access essential health commodities. This urgent appeal reflects the critical intersection of public health policy, international aid, and the necessity for efficient logistical operations to meet the pressing health needs of the population, ensuring that Ghana moves closer to achieving its ambitious health goals by 2030.
