The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the Ministry of Health's response to the extended delay in clearing HIV antiretroviral drugs at Ghana's ports, deeming it “inappropriate and highly irresponsible.”

In a press statement issued on October 7, 2023, the Minority expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ministry's handling of the situation.

The Minority's primary contention with the Ministry's response is the lack of valid reasons provided for the prolonged delay in clearing the consignment of HIV drugs.

They found the Ministry's excuse citing the high volume of the consignment requiring additional funds for clearance to be unacceptable, emphasizing that such consignments do not appear suddenly at ports without prior notice.

Furthermore, the Minority expressed their disappointment in the Ministry for taking two to three months from the receipt of the shipping consignment in July to issue a press statement in October, claiming to have secured extra funds for clearance.

They questioned why the Ministry didn't take these necessary steps sooner.

The Ministry's decision to extend the delay by another week was criticized as insensitive and irresponsible, particularly considering the health crisis caused by the shortage of antiretroviral drugs.

The Minority argued that there is no valid reason why these vital medical consumables cannot be cleared within 24 hours, given the advancements in port operations.

The Minority also took issue with the Ministry's statement downplaying the impact of the drug shortage, which they deemed inconsiderate.

They pointed out that the affected 4% of persons living with HIV represent approximately 15,000 Ghanaians who should not be ignored.

Furthermore, the Minority called on the Ministry to provide evidence of tax clearance waivers for the antiretroviral drugs and criticized the Ministry for not addressing critical issues such as the funding gap in addressing Ghana's National HIV/AIDS program.

In conclusion, the Minority called on the Ministry of Health to be proactive in addressing health challenges, offer an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the delay in clearing donated goods for PLHIV, and cease making excuses.

The press statement was signed by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Health.