The Renal Patients Association at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has expressed frustration over the government's delayed response in clearing essential dialysis consumables stuck at the Tema Port.

The association has vowed to picket the Renal Unit on Wednesday, August 21, if the issue is not resolved promptly.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, the Association’s spokesperson, Kojo Baffour Ahenkora, highlighted the dire situation facing renal patients who depend on these consumables for life-saving dialysis treatment.

According to Mr Ahenkora, the cost of treatment has become unbearably high due to the shortage of these vital supplies, placing many patients in life-threatening positions.

“It’s very expensive, very expensive. This morning, GH₵800 for a session. Most of us are supposed to do it twice or three times a week. Where are we going to get the money from? It’s only the government sector or Korle Bu that takes GH₵400 which is not even cheap, almost close to GH₵500 in a session,” Mr Ahenkora lamented.

The consumables, crucial for dialysis treatments, have been stuck at the Tema Port despite a partial release of some supplies.

The association pleaded with government officials, including Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Finance Ministry, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) boss, to intervene.

• Read also: Over 90% of Ghanaians can’t bear the cost of dialysis treatment – Dr. Asiedu Sarpong

“The consumables are in the country, which is why they were able to release the 20-footer container which also contains part of the consumables that we need. But the main one that we need at the cabin where we are standing right now is the one at the port, so we beg them. Whatever the case, we beg them,” Ahenkora stressed.

The situation has reached a critical point, with the Association threatening to picket if the supplies are not released by Wednesday.

"If not, then by Wednesday, we are picketing here. All the Renal Dialysis patients are coming to sleep here until we receive the consumables from Tema Port because we cannot keep on going through this thing,” Ahenkora warned.