A coalition of 55 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana is calling on the government to urgently clear essential Family Planning stuck at the Tema Port for over seven months.
The supplies, valued at $1.6 million, donated by the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), are still at the port over unpaid duties and mounting demurrage fees.
The Coalition warns that this prolonged delay is contributing to a national shortage of contraceptives, which could result in a surge in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths.
According to the Coalition, clearing the commodities could help prevent 62,728 unsafe abortions, avert 2,514 child deaths, and save 255 maternal lives.
Speaking to Yawa News Communications Manager, for Alliance for Reproductive Health Right.
A member of the 55 CSOs, Dori Ampong, said the delay has resulted in exacerbating gaps in reproductive health needs.
