Zipline has confirmed suspensions on drone delivery at three of its key operating hubs in Ghana. The company confirmed the move on Wednesday, calling it a “very difficult decision” to temporarily suspend services at its nests in Anum, Sefwi-Wiawso, and Kete-Krachi.
The move comes six years after Zipline first launched its drone-delivery network in Ghana, which has become one of the most visible and impactful applications of the technology globally.
Driving The Story
Earlier on Tuesday, 25th November, the Minority in Ghana’s Parliament revealed that the company Zipline was shutting down three of its operational centres due to the government’s indebtedness amounting to GH¢175 million.
The minority further revealed that the current administration had allocated only GHC 20 million towards covering the GHC 175 million debt.
Between The Lines
In March 2023, US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reportedly sent a letter to the former US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, concerning arrears owed by the Government of Ghana to Zipline.
The Big Picture
The suspension is a major setback for the areas previously served by those nests, which relied on Zipline for rapid delivery of medical supplies, blood, and vaccines.
Ghana remains a critical market for the company, and it will continue to operate its three remaining nests in Mpanya, Vobsi, and Mampong.
By the Numbers
Zipline cited a significant impact from its Ghana operations over the years:
- 56.4% drop in maternal mortality.
- 22x improved access to medical supplies.
- 60% fewer referrals to other facilities.
- 60% reduction in the duration of medicine stockouts.
Zipline Statement: “We are proud of the impact we’ve had in Ghana over the last six years. We hope to be able to resume operations in the near future.
Ghana remains an important market for Zipline, and we will continue to serve our users and partners in the country by providing timely and reliable access to medical supplies and other essentials.…”
