Ghana faces contraceptive shortage with GHS6.75 million UN stock at port
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) report a national shortage of contraceptives. Family planning items worth GHS6.75 million, from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), are held at the port. This delay could increase unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. UNFPA may cut its supply from 75% to 25% if the issue continues. CSOs urge the government to clear the items and improve supply chain management.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana have reported a widespread shortage of contraceptives. This shortage is caused by family planning commodities worth GHS6.75 million ($500,000 using current exchange rates), provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), remaining at the country's port. These supplies have been held since 2024, with some items nearing their expiry dates.
The CSOs warn that this shortage could lead to higher rates of unsafe abortions, increased child poverty, and more maternal deaths. They state that national and regional medical stores are running low. Nurses cannot offer essential services like contraceptive injections and implants due to lack of stock. This directly causes more unintended pregnancies.
The UNFPA has indicated it might reduce its contribution to Ghana’s family planning commodities from 75% to 25% if the problem continues. This would severely impact Ghana's access to vital health supplies.
The CSOs have asked the Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority, and Customs Division to release the commodities quickly. They also called on the Ministry of Health to explain the delay, outline corrective actions, and set up systems to prevent future problems. They want a contingency supply plan to stop stock-outs at local levels.
This situation highlights risks in public health supply chains and could have significant economic and social consequences for Ghana.
Source: StatsGH — Ghana's data-driven news platform