John Dramani Mahama, a former president of Ghana, has urged the government to immediately eliminate import duties and taxes on supplies used for dialysis treatment.
This is in response to a recent increase in the price of dialysis treatment by more than 100% at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Unit.
Mr. Mahama called the government’s decision to charge patients exorbitant treatment costs in the wake of the recent economic crisis “insensitive” while speaking at a celebration of the 2023 United Nations International Day for the Aged.
When elected to office in 2024, Mr. Mahama also promised to provide relief for sufferers of a variety of illnesses.
“Given the opportunity, we shall bring relief to thousands of our citizens suffering from these ailments. Just this week, there was an uproar when the nation’s premier teaching hospital, Korle Bu announced an increase in charges for dialysis treatment by one hundred percent which is threatening to put the cost of dialysis treatment out of the reach of many patients and their families.
“The explanation I have read from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital cites the increase in taxes and duties of materials for dialysis treatment as the main reason for their decision to hike the price by a hundred percent. As an immediate measure, I call on the government to exempt medication and kits for dialysis treatment from taxes and duties to maintain this critical lifeline for patients whose survival depends on these treatments.”
Meanwhile, according to reports, E.T Mensah, a former council member and member of parliament, has died at the age of 77.
He had been ailing for some time and, according to reports, passed away in South Africa.
Mr. Mensah was well-known in Ghanaian politics and held the positions of Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency for more than 20 years.
He was survived by his wife and seven children and was affectionately known as ET Mensah. This information was released not long after Theresa Kufuor, the former first lady, passed away on October 1, 2023.
