The newly appointed Acting Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms Julie Essiam, has vowed to streamline operations and respond to the needs of customers with both efficiency and empathy.
The initiative came in the wake of an intervention by the GRA to secure the release of $45 million worth of critical medical supplies purchased with Global Fund allocation stored at Tema Port.
The impasse stemmed from unpaid third-party claims for essential medicines in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The delay threatened to worsen existing stock shortages of essential medicines and raised serious concerns from the public and medical experts.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) said in a statement the potential impact of delays and how the impasse could endanger the health, well-being and lives of Ghanaians in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. expressed serious concerns. .
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and its impact on public health, upon assuming her new role, Ms. Esiam was asked to convene a meeting with the Global Fund’s Country Coordination Mechanisms to Combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (CCM-Ghana)) to devise a solution.
“It was unfortunate that even though exemptions were granted for the goods, unpaid third-party customs fees resulted in delinquencies and other penalties,” Essiam explained. But she pledged that “the GRA will work more efficiently and collaboratively to ensure that the process is well understood and such delays are minimized in the future.”
The meeting between GRA and CCM-Ghana yielded positive results, with Ms. Esiam stressing the importance of cooperation and empathy in problem-solving.
“We at the GRA understand the important role these medicines play, and therefore we will work with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health to ensure a smooth and efficient release process for these life-saving supplies.” she said.
Beyond immediate solutions, Essiam also hinted at a more client-centric vision for GRA. GRA “continues to diligently serve all of our customers with integrity and fairness, as well as empathy,” she said.
She argued that a client-centric approach focuses on understanding the needs of stakeholders and working collaboratively to find solutions.
The Acting Chairman of CCM Ghana, Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Olutsin, thanked the Acting Director-General for his prompt response and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Esiam for his proactive and solutions-oriented leadership.
He emphasized that the launch of medicines will have a huge impact, especially considering the severe shortages currently in medical facilities.
Meanwhile, following timely intervention, the first batch of 12 bills of lading for pharmaceuticals will leave the port by the end of this week for subsequent distribution to strengthen the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. is expected to be carried out.