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Els MBN360 News
Former Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has cautioned politicians against politicizing the Zipline drone medical delivery system, warning that such actions put lives at risk in remote communities that rely on emergency supplies. He criticized excessive politicization of the program, stating that claims of drones delivering inappropriate items only serve to discredit a valuable system that has saved numerous lives.
Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized that drone delivery remains one of the fastest and most reliable lifelines for health facilities facing shortages of critical medical commodities. He urged leaders to prioritize strengthening life-saving systems rather than attacking them for political gain.
“If a centre does not have a blood-related product and needs it urgently, when you WhatsApp Zipline, they will fly with the stock they have and drop the vaccine at the hospital compound,” he explained. “By doing this, you save time calling people. If you have to drive five hours, it could be done by Zipline in 25 minutes.”
Dr Okoe Boye criticised what he described as excessive politicisation of the programme, warning that such commentary jeopardises essential medical interventions. According to him, claims that drones are being used to deliver inappropriate items only seek to ridicule and discredit a system that has proven valuable in saving lives.
“This talk is an attempt to ridicule the whole project and throw it away. Sometimes, too much politics can endanger lives,” he said.
He emphasised that leadership should focus on enhancing life-saving systems rather than attacking them for political convenience. “The essence of a politician or a leader is not to rest and make yourself comfortable but to work so hard that those far away from you can receive some help when they need it most,” he added.
The warning comes as Parliament intensifies scrutiny of Zipline’s future, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga calling for the termination of the government’s contract with the drone company, describing it as a waste of public funds. Three Zipline centers have shut down due to a GH¢175 million government debt, prompting Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to request the Health Minister’s appearance before Parliament.
