Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the government to take immediate steps to clear a consignment of essential family planning commodities stuck at the Tema Port, warning that continued delays could trigger a nationwide contraceptive shortage.
The shipment, valued at approximately $500,000, was procured by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on behalf of the Ministry of Health but has remained uncleared since August 2024.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, April 8, Advocacy and Youth Coordinator at Marie Stopes International, Henrietta Kaakyire Ataah, expressed concern that the prolonged delay is already impacting the availability of contraceptives across the country.
According to her, national and regional medical stores are running low on supplies, putting women and girls at increased risk.
She explained that the consignment includes critical reproductive health commodities such as pills, implants, injectables and condoms, which are essential in preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing cases of unsafe abortions.
“There is over $500,000 worth of family planning commodities stuck at the Tema Port since August 2024. These are life-saving supplies for women and girls of reproductive age, and the delay is denying them access to reproductive choices while increasing the risk of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortions,” she said.
She further appealed to the government, particularly the Ministries of Health and Finance, to urgently intervene and facilitate the release of the items to avert a potential public health crisis.
“We are urging and pleading with the government, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance to expedite the clearance of these commodities,” she added.