A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) focused on reproductive health is urging the government to expedite the release of essential family planning (FP) commodities and medical supplies that have been held at Tema Port for over seven months.
According to the CSOs, unpaid duties and mounting demurrage fees have delayed the clearance, resulting in severe shortages of contraceptives in central and regional medical stores and health facilities nationwide.
The group emphasized that addressing these delays is crucial to prevent a supply shortage that could drive up unintended pregnancies and lead to unsafe abortions and higher maternal mortality rates across the country.
The FP commodities, valued at $1,610,563 and donated by the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have remained at the port since February 2024, they reported.
In a press release copied to the B&FT Tamale Office, the coalition highlighted that these stockouts significantly affect national efforts to enhance health outcomes in Ghana, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies and undermining improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health.
Using MSI’s impact calculator, the CSOs estimate that, if utilized by women, these FP commodities could prevent 2,514 child deaths, 255 maternal deaths, 62,728 unsafe abortions, and 199,182 unintended pregnancies, ultimately saving the Ghanaian government over 200 million Ghana cedis in direct healthcare expenses.
They noted that Ghana recently introduced the Ghana Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (GFPCIP), reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring all people of reproductive age have equitable and timely access to FP services and information by 2030, in line with FP2030 goals. However, continued delays and stockouts of these crucial supplies cast doubts on this commitment, as well as Ghana’s adherence to the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The CSOs expressed concern that inconsistent management of donated supplies not only jeopardizes Ghana’s commitment to national and global objectives but may also harm the country’s international reputation and future partnerships.
To support quality healthcare delivery, the coalition urged the government to implement preventive measures to avoid future delays and mitigate the risk of losing valuable donations.
They also called for a rigorous quality control assessment by regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the cleared FP supplies, protecting users’ health.
“We appeal to the government to prioritize health outcomes, especially in reproductive health. As CSOs, we are committed to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to fulfill Ghana’s FP commitments,” they stated.
The coalition includes Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR), Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana, African Institute for Population and Development, Savana Signatures, Muslim Family Counselling Services (MFCS), Rights and Responsibilities Initiative (RRIG), and others, including Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), NORSAAC, DKT International, Bimobas Literacy and Farmers Cooperatives Association, and The Young Women’s Christian Association of Ghana (YWCA).