Public health and trade integrity must not be undermined by misinformation — MCGG

The Media Coalition for Good Governance (MCGG) has strongly defended LCB Worldwide Ghana Ltd. and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), describing recent allegations against the two entities as unsubstantiated, misleading, and lacking credible evidence.

Speaking at a press briefing, Lead Convener Kwadwo Baffour Atuahene said public commentary on Ghana’s port operations must be grounded in facts, technical assessments, and responsible analysis rather than speculation.

According to him, claims that LCB Worldwide is failing in its mandate and that port disinfection services fall short of international best practices have not been supported by any verifiable evidence.

“The allegations have not been backed by a single technical report, operational audit, laboratory assessment, or regulatory review. Without evidence, such claims are reckless and risk creating unnecessary fear and confusion among the public,” he stated.

Mr. Atuahene stressed that public health protection at Ghana’s ports of entry is a critical national responsibility that requires accuracy, scientific rigour, and evidence-based discussions.

Citing findings from SARL Africa, a think tank focused on port governance and trade facilitation, he noted that LCB Worldwide’s operations are conducted under Ghana Health Service-approved Standard Operating Procedures, subjected to routine inspections, supported by independent laboratory validation of chemical efficacy, and monitored through regular performance audits.

He argued that concerns regarding port health operations should be addressed through technical engagement and constructive dialogue rather than what he described as sensational claims.

The MCGG Convener also rejected suggestions that the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) 2025 Half-Year Report found wrongdoing on the part of LCB Worldwide.

He explained that the report was a governance review aimed at identifying institutional vulnerabilities and improving systems rather than establishing guilt or making prosecutorial findings against any private entity.

“The OSP did not conclude that LCB Worldwide engaged in corruption, nor did it issue any adverse determination against the company,” he emphasised.

Turning his attention to claims that ICUMS is dysfunctional and causing financial losses to importers, Mr. Otuhene said available data does not support such assertions.

He noted that system downtime is a common occurrence in customs and single-window platforms across the world, including in countries with advanced digital trade systems. According to him, downtime alone should not be interpreted as evidence of system failure.

Mr. Atuahene stated that ICUMS currently records an operational uptime of between 98 and 99 per cent, a performance level he said is comparable to similar customs processing platforms in many developing economies.

He added that the system has significantly improved trade facilitation, revenue collection, cargo visibility, risk management, and valuation consistency when compared to the period before its introduction.

Addressing concerns about demurrage charges, he argued that ICUMS has never experienced a downtime exceeding 24 hours and therefore cannot reasonably be blamed for demurrage costs, which only begin to accrue after the expiration of a seven-day free laytime period at the ports.

The MCGG Lead Convener called on civil society organisations, policy advocates, and public commentators to ensure that criticisms of national systems are supported by evidence and technical analysis.

He maintained that responsible advocacy requires data, regulatory understanding, comparative benchmarking, and practical recommendations rather than broad allegations.

Mr. Atuahene concluded by urging stakeholders to elevate the quality of public discourse on Ghana’s port reforms, stressing that evidence-based engagement remains essential to strengthening public trust, protecting national trade interests, and enhancing the country’s public health security framework.