Residents demonstrate against closer of clinic

Some residents of Tamale have demonstrated against the continued closure of Shekhinah Clinic in Tamale, which is well known for its free services to the destitute.

The demonstrators, describing themselves as concerned citizens of Choggu marched to the office of the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Seidu Iddi to present a petition. They demanded among other things, government's intervention to ensure the re-opening of the clinic. The clinic was closed over the payment of duty on medical items donated by its foreign partners. The National Revenue Secretariat (NRS) later withdrew a waiver it enjoyed leading to a public outcry against that measure. The NRS restored the waiver but requested the Management of the Clinic to apply directly and not through the Catholic Secretariat. Receiving the petition Alhaji Iddi said he was surprise about the demonstration because as far as he was aware the continued closure of the clinic has nothing to do with payment of import duty. He said all issues concerning the clearance of two oxygen concentrators from the port, which caused the closure, have been resolved.

Alhaji Iddi said the NRS has notified Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Value Added Tax Secretariat to allow Dr David Abdulai, Proprietor of the clinic to clear all medical consignments on written permission before his request for permanent tax exemptions is regularized. He said the management of the clinic has explained that it has not been re-opened because of shortage of some essential drugs. The Deputy Regional Minister, Mr. San Nasamu Asabigi and Tamale Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Mohammed Alhassan Adams also explained efforts being made to ensure that normal services at the clinic resumes. Mr. Adams Mohammed, spokesman for the demonstrators, thanked the Regional Minister for his explanation and apologized for the demonstration, which he admitted, was unnecessary.