The Ministry of Health has received an assessment report on the performance, cost, and long-term viability of Zipline’s medical drone delivery system following months of public scrutiny and the shutdown of three distribution centers.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on Tuesday accepted the report from the Zipline Technical Task Force, which he commissioned to review the service amid concerns over operational costs and contractual terms.
Opening the briefing, Akandoh said the meeting was intended to establish “a common understanding” among stakeholders on Zipline’s operations, obligations under its agreement with government, and the overall value of the service. He noted that although Zipline was initially introduced as a Corporate Ghana–funded initiative, the final contract obligated government to pay US$88,000 per center monthly for round-the-clock operations.
The Task Force presented a comprehensive review covering operational effectiveness, value for money, procurement integrity, contract sustainability, and international models for medical logistics. The analysis also included a comparison of key health indicators before and during Zipline’s deployment, as well as a review of the system’s relevance and sustainability in Ghana’s current health landscape.
According to the team, the assessment examined how Zipline’s drone deliveries contributed to emergency response, vaccine distribution, and last-mile access, while also weighing these gains against financial commitments and alternative delivery models used globally.
Akandoh said the ministry will carefully review the findings and recommendations before taking further steps. He emphasized that the government is committed to building a health supply chain that is efficient, financially sustainable, and aligned with national priorities.
The minister added that ongoing consultations will include Zipline, development partners, and relevant agencies as the ministry evaluates the future of drone-supported medical deliveries in the country.