Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have sounded the alarm over delays in clearing critical family planning commodities valued at $500,000 at the country’s port of entry, warning that the hold-up could trigger nationwide stock‑outs and jeopardize maternal health.
The supplies, procured by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the Ministry of Health, have reportedly been held since August 2024. Items include contraceptive pills, implants, injectables, condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and essential administration instruments.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Ms. Henritta Kaakyire Ataah, Advocacy and Youth Coordinator at Marie Stopes Ghana, described the commodities as lifesaving and stressed the urgency of their release. “Every week of delay strengthens a predictable chain of consequences—stock‑outs, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and preventable maternal deaths,” she said.
CSOs highlighted the broader implications of delayed access to family planning, including impacts on maternal mortality, under‑five survival, and women’s rights. They warned that abortion-related complications account for over 20 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Ghana, underscoring the stakes of the delay.
Although previous shipments valued at over $1.6 million were cleared after government engagement, three consignments remain stuck. The CSOs called for immediate action, including transparent public communication from the Ministry of Health, a contingency plan to prevent stock‑outs, and a review of administrative processes affecting health imports.
The group also urged the government to increase domestic funding for family planning, especially following the withdrawal of USAID support in 2025, emphasizing that reliance on donor funding alone is insufficient for sustainable healthcare delivery.
“This is not just about commodities at the port; it is about the health, dignity, and future of Ghanaian women,” Ms. Ataah said, pledging to monitor government responses and hold authorities accountable.
The CSOs appealed to media and the public to treat the matter as a national priority to prevent preventable maternal health crises.
