Civil Society Groups Demand Review of Port Disinfection and ICUMS Operations

Civil society organizations, the New Voter Forum (NVF) and Democratic Credentials Network Ghana (DCN-Ghana), have demanded a comprehensive review of Ghana's port disinfection contract and the operations of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). They highlighted significant concerns regarding accountability, service delivery standards, and revenue mobilization at the nation’s ports.

These calls stem from alleged substandard performance by LCB Worldwide, the firm responsible for port disinfection services. The organizations also pointed to persistent operational challenges within the ICUMS platform. These issues, they argue, negatively affect trade facilitation and contribute to potential revenue losses for Ghana.

This push for review aligns with broader discussions about efficiency and transparency in Ghana's key economic sectors. Ghana’s ports are critical for international trade and significantly impact the national economy. Previous reports by organizations like IMANI Africa have also raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and transparency of various government contracts at the ports.

Conqueror Mawudzo Korto, spokesperson for the New Voter Forum, addressed a press briefing in Accra on June 3, 2026. He stated, “The so-called disinfection service at Ghana’s ports is nowhere near best practices or set standards across the world, posing serious public health concerns.” Mr. Korto added that findings from an independent assessment conducted by his group indicate service delivery below expected standards.

The organizations suggest immediate action will improve public health and economic competitiveness. An independent audit of the ICUMS platform could identify and fix system vulnerabilities. Such measures could reduce business costs and enhance Ghana's reputation as a trade hub. Decision-makers and the market will closely watch for responses from the Ghana Health Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

Mr. Korto also questioned the Ghana Health Service's role in enforcing sanitary standards. He claimed, “Our assessment has indeed revealed that the Ghana Health Service has blatantly failed to enforce sanitary measures at airports and ports, Ghana’s first line of defence against cross-border health threats.” The groups referenced a corruption risk assessment by the Office of the Special Prosecutor regarding the disinfection arrangement. This assessment raised questions about managing disinfection fees and recommended accountability improvements.

Regarding ICUMS, Mr. Korto stated the platform “has proven technically unreliable and unfortunately regressive.” He highlighted that businesses frequently complain about system downtimes, which delay cargo clearance. These disruptions increase costs for businesses and reduce Ghana's competitiveness as a logistics hub. Vulnerabilities within the system, he alleged, are being exploited, leading to revenue losses for the state.

The New Voter Forum recommends that the Ghana Shippers Authority organize a multi-stakeholder dialogue on port disinfection services. They also advocate for an independent audit of the ICUMS platform. Furthermore, the groups propose creating an autonomous trade systems regulatory body to ensure transparency and accountability in Ghana’s trade facilitation framework.

The Ghana Health Service, Office of the Special Prosecutor, Ghana Link Network Services, and LCB Worldwide have not yet publicly responded to these specific allegations. Increased public scrutiny will likely pressure these entities to address the concerns raised by the civil society organizations.