NVF raises alarm over Port operations, demands audit of ICUMS and probe into disinfection contract

The Lead Convener of the New Voter Forum (NVF), Conqueror Mawudzo Korto, has called for urgent reforms at Ghana’s ports, alleging widespread inefficiencies, accountability concerns, and possible revenue losses linked to port disinfection services and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).

Speaking at a press conference organised by the New Voter Forum (NVF) and the Democratic Credentials Network Ghana (DCN-Ghana) at the International Press Centre on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Mr Korto said the country’s trade ecosystem was under threat due to what he described as poor service delivery and entrenched rent-seeking practices.

Addressing concerns about port disinfection services, Mr Korto alleged that LCB Worldwide, the company contracted to provide disinfection services at Ghana’s ports, was failing to meet acceptable standards despite collecting substantial revenue from the operation.

According to him, an independent assessment conducted by the group revealed significant shortcomings in the disinfection of vessels, cargo, containers, and port facilities, creating potential public health risks and weakening Ghana’s defences against cross-border disease outbreaks.

He further questioned the Ghana Health Service's (GHS) role in supervising the contract, suggesting that regulatory oversight had been inadequate despite stakeholders' concerns.

Mr Korto also referenced findings by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which previously conducted a corruption-risk assessment into a port disinfection agreement involving the GHS and LCB Worldwide. He noted that the OSP had raised concerns over the handling of approximately GH¢345 million in disinfection fees and had directed the GHS to account for the arrangement and implement measures to strengthen transparency.

“The public deserves to know what actions have been taken following the OSP’s recommendations and whether the identified risks have been addressed,” he stated.

On the operations of ICUMS, Mr Korto described the customs management platform as unreliable and inefficient, citing frequent system downtimes that disrupt cargo clearance processes and increase costs for businesses.

He argued that recurring technical failures continue to affect importers, exporters, clearing agents, and other stakeholders, while demurrage charges often accumulate during periods when the system is inaccessible.

According to him, the situation has undermined Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade and logistics hub and contributed to revenue leakages within the customs clearance process.

As part of its recommendations, the NVF called for an independent international audit of the ICUMS platform, broader stakeholder consultations on port reforms, and the establishment of an independent Trade Systems Regulatory Commission to oversee digital trade infrastructure.

The group also urged the Ghana Shippers Authority to convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue on port disinfection services and called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor to provide updates on the implementation of recommendations arising from its corruption-risk assessment.

Mr Korto said the demands form part of broader efforts to support government initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s ports and customs operations.

He further called on civil society organisations, industry players, Parliament, and the media to support reforms, stressing that effective trade facilitation remains critical to national economic growth and development.