Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin highlighted key achievements made in combating hepatitis, including attaining over 90% infant immunization coverage for Hepatitis B, introducing free treatment for Hepatitis C, mandating antenatal testing for Hepatitis D, and developing a national viral Hepatitis D control program.

However, he cautioned that frameworks and pilot interventions alone are not sufficient. He noted that Ghana has yet to introduce the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine or make the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIg) freely available or subsidized. According to him, these gaps are leaving the most vulnerable behind, allowing the virus to continue its “silent destruction.”

“Too many Ghanaians are still dying from Hepatitis B—not because treatment doesn’t exist, but because it remains financially out of reach,” he stated.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin emphasized the urgent need for national action. While community-based interventions are important, he argued they are not sustainable without national financial support. He explained that the cost of antiviral medication ranges between GH¢300 to GH¢600 per month, with full treatment running into thousands of cedis—an impossible burden for most low-income households. As a result, many patients remain untreated, not by choice, but due to financial hardship.

He reiterated a call he first made in 2023, urging the government to include Hepatitis B treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), just as it has done for other chronic conditions.

He proposed a comprehensive plan to address the crisis, including:

Expanding free community screening and antenatal testing

Funding the rollout of the birth dose vaccine

Subsidizing Hepatitis B HBIg

Launching a national Hepatitis B awareness campaign to combat stigma and misinformation

Equipping every regional hospital with dedicated labour care services

In conclusion, Hon. Afenyo-Markin urged Parliament and government stakeholders to “break down the barriers together” and remove cost as a barrier to treatment through a comprehensive NHIS coverage plan.

The Minority asserts that this arrangement is illegal and expresses concerns that the TEN oil field would be required to produce a minimum of 3.8 million barrels of crude oil each year for LITASCO as part of the loan agreement.

Speaking to Journalists on Wednesday, September 20, John Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, highlighted that despite Parliament’s rejection of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s (GNPC) request to secure the loan until the terms and conditions of the agreement were provided, the presidency has directed GNPC to seek board approval for the loan without parliamentary consent.

“To our utmost shock, the minority side has become aware that the presidency is using coercive force to compel the GNPC to proceed and execute this loan agreement without parliamentary approval,” Jinapor said, adding “This is unconstitutional, this is unlawful and this is a blatant disregard to the directive and resolution of Parliament.”

The Minority also commended the board members of GNPC who have kicked against the loan agreement. According to Jinapor, the bold move by the GNPC board must be encouraged.

He warned that the move would amount to an unconstitutionality if GNPC goes ahead with the loan agreement without parliamentary agreement.

Source: mymctvnewsonline.com