CML Advocates Ghana Urge Government to Fast-Track Duty Waivers for Life-Saving Cancer Medicines

The Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Advocates Ghana (CMLAG) has issued an urgent appeal to the Ghanaian government to streamline the process for granting duty waivers on donated medications. The group warns that bureaucratic delays in clearing essential treatments from the nation's ports are putting the lives of cancer patients at significant risk. These medications, which are vital for managing Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), are provided free of charge by international partners but often remain stuck in administrative cycles involving the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance.

Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, a specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted the severe consequences of these delays, noting that past administrative bottlenecks have forced patients to go without life-saving treatment for extended periods. The financial burden of CML is immense; a single month’s supply of the necessary medication is valued at approximately GH¢34,000, a cost that is prohibitive for the vast majority of Ghanaian families. Consequently, the donations provided by organizations like The Max Foundation serve as a critical lifeline for those battling the disease.

While advocates acknowledge that a legal framework for duty exemptions already exists, they emphasize that the implementation of these waivers is hindered by sluggish bureaucratic procedures. CMLAG is calling for a more efficient, fast-tracked system that prioritizes the clearance of donated health supplies to ensure a continuous supply of medicine. Beyond the administrative challenges, the group also urged the general public to offer greater support for cancer patients and encouraged citizens to prioritize regular health check-ups to facilitate early detection and management of the condition.