Okoe Boye meets GRA, MoF over medical supplies at Tema port

In a move to ensure the clearance of essential medical supplies funded by the Global Fund, the Minister of Health Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has met with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to hold conversations to streamline the clearance process at the Tema Port.

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This move comes after a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, confirming the receipt of GHC7,429,694.39 from the Ministry of Finance for the payment of demurrage and other third-party charges to ensure the clearance of all outstanding Global Fund containers.

The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of this funding in its recent statement, stating, “It is expected that with the funds received, all outstanding containers will be cleared by the end of June 2024.”

However, in an interview with the media during the project inspection visit to the La General Hospital and Weija Children’s Hospital (both under construction), Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye got intimated as people said he was taking personal interest in the matter, so he promised he will not rest until the goods fully cleared.

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To expedite the delivery of life-saving medications, medical equipment, and other essential health commodities, a meeting with the finance ministry and the GRA on Friday, June 14, resolved to fast-track the clearance process.

This decision aims to safeguard public health by ensuring these vital supplies are readily available.

According to the minister, this move demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring timely access to crucial health supplies.

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Who Is Bernard Okie Boye?

Bernard Okoe-Boye is a Ghanaian medical doctor and politician.

He served as a member of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, representing the Ledzokuku Constituency in the Greater Accra Region under the New Patriotic Party.

Previously, he was the board chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the nation’s largest medical facility. He is currently the head of the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), overseeing Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme.

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On February 14, 2024, he was appointed as the Minister of Health-designate, succeeding Dr. Kweku Agyemang Manu.