By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Nov. 28, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, has urged the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to consider purchasing its own drones for the delivery of blood products and essential medicines.
He said that will be prudent than rather spending GHS 170 million annually on Zipline centres, which provide drone services for the distribution of medical supplies across the country.
While responding to the issue of planned closure of three Zipline centres on Friday, Mr Ayariga argued that the GHS could acquire drones at more affordable rates, thereby reducing costs and ensuring sustainability of delivery of blood products and essential medicines.
He further expressed support for the cancellation of existing Zipline contracts, which currently distribute medical supplies across the country on behalf of the GHS.
Mr Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, added that the GHS 170 million expenditure annully on Zipline centres, could alternatively be invested in constructing roads to remote communities, which would improve accessibility and healthcare delivery in the long term.
Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, the New Patriotic Party MP for Effiduase-Asokore and Ranking Member on the Health Committee, disclosed that three Zipline centres – Anum, Sefwi Wiawso, and Krachi were billed for closure due to government indebtedness amounting to GHS 175 million owed to Zipline.
The debate over the future of Zipline’s operations in Ghana has sparked discussions on cost efficiency, infrastructure development, and the sustainability of healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
28 November 2025