TAGG rejects claims by NVF and DCN-Ghana on Port Health Services and Trade Systems

The Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG) has dismissed allegations made by the New Voter Forum (NVF) and Democratic Credentials Network Ghana (DCN-Ghana) regarding port health services and key trade facilitation systems, describing the groups' assertions as unsubstantiated and disconnected from the realities of Ghana's trade sector.

In a statement issued following a recent press conference by the two organizations, TAGG questioned their authority to make definitive pronouncements on matters relating to international trade, customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping, logistics, and cargo handling.

According to TAGG, while civil society organizations have a legitimate role in public discourse, assessments of trade facilitation services should be informed by the experiences of stakeholders who interact daily with these systems.

"The realities of trade facilitation are best understood and evaluated by those whose businesses depend on their effectiveness," the association stated.

TAGG argued that the views expressed by NVF and DCN-Ghana do not reflect the perspectives of traders, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and other industry players. The group also referenced the New Voter Forum's previous support for the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), now known as the Smart Port Note (SPN), a policy it said was widely opposed by trade stakeholders and ultimately rejected by successive governments.

Support for Port Disinfection Services

Addressing concerns raised about port disinfection operations, TAGG expressed strong support for the continuation of sanitary control measures at Ghana's ports, citing their importance in protecting public health and national biosecurity.

The association commended LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited (LCB), the company responsible for providing port disinfection services, for what it described as consistent and professional delivery of its mandate.

TAGG said its monitoring team regularly visits the ports to observe operations and has not identified any lapses in LCB's work.

Beyond port operations, the association noted that LCB has collaborated with trader groups to undertake periodic disinfection and fumigation exercises in markets, shops, and trading centres across the country.

According to TAGG, these interventions have contributed to reduced pest infestations, improved hygiene standards, and lower risks of disease outbreaks within trading communities.

Calls for Evidence-Based Criticism
The traders' group criticized NVF and DCN-Ghana for relying on what it described as unsupported claims, including references to an "independent assessment" and an "undercover team" without providing verifiable data, scientific evaluations, or expert findings.

TAGG argued that public policy discussions should be based on evidence rather than speculation and urged organizations seeking to influence national discourse to subject their claims to rigorous scrutiny before making public statements.

Defence of ICUMS
The association also rejected suggestions that the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) is ineffective.

According to TAGG, ICUMS has significantly improved customs administration since its introduction by enhancing transparency, strengthening revenue assurance, reducing manual processes, and streamlining cargo clearance procedures.

While acknowledging that occasional technical challenges have occurred, the association maintained that such issues are common to large digital platforms and have been addressed through stakeholder engagement and system improvements.

"The trading community has witnessed first-hand the significant improvements that have accompanied the deployment of ICUMS," TAGG stated.

Concerns Over Efforts to Undermine Service Providers

TAGG further expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of attacks against key service providers within Ghana's trade ecosystem.

The association suggested that sustained criticism of existing systems and operators could be aimed at creating opportunities for competing interests, although it did not provide specific evidence to support that claim.

It warned against attempts to undermine confidence in critical trade facilitation infrastructure through narratives that, in its view, do not reflect operational realities.

Call for Stakeholder Engagement
TAGG called on organizations interested in port reforms and trade facilitation to engage directly with recognized industry associations and stakeholders before drawing conclusions on issues affecting national commerce.

The group reiterated its commitment to supporting reforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Ghana's trade sector while opposing initiatives it believes do not serve the interests of traders and the wider economy.

Source: Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG)