The MP for the Sefwi Akontombra constituency, Mr. Alex Tetteh, has suggested the removal of all forms of taxes on donated essential drugs.
He said there was a need for the government to exempt drugs and medical supplies offered for free distribution to disadvantaged health institutions and patients.
He argued that the huge taxes and high import duties discourage humanitarian aid organisations from sending medical equipment and consumables to the country.
The Coalition of CSO Networks in HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria recently called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assist in the clearing of locked-up Global Fund-donated health care items at Tema Port, valued at over US$40 million.
These items, including antiretrovirals (ARVs), TB medications, and malaria treatments, have been locked up since May 2023, causing critical shortages at health facilities nationwide.
The Coalition noted that the Global Fund has been a crucial supporter of Ghana’s health initiatives, contributing over US$1.2 billion since 2002.
However, the exorbitant taxes and port charges for clearing the donated commodities, contrary to the Framework Agreement exempting such charges, were a major issue.
The MP expressed concern about the need for a private member’s bill to pass a law eliminating all taxes on essential drugs donated for free distribution, stating that he and other MPs would need to sponsor this bill.
He said he does not understand why donors have to pay taxes on drugs or other essential medical supplies when donating them for free.
He also urged the new minister designate for health to bring a new directive if the parliament approves him to start work.
“I support the call by Ghanaians for all forms of taxes to be removed on drugs and other essential supplies donated to the country. As a country, we spend money on buying all of these drugs, so if we get donations from donors like the Global Fund, why should we pay taxes on that? I encourage the minister-designate for health to design a dossier on this matter.
Some of us will propose a private member’s bill to ensure that items that are essential and donated to schools or hospitals must be exempted from taxes.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
