CSOs urge govt to investigate port contracts, revenue collection systems

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has defended its recent calls for reforms in Ghana's port sector, arguing that strong reactions from some port stakeholders clearly shows that the concerns raised are not far from the truth.

In a press release dated June 12, 2026, the joint CSOs, including the New Voter Forum and Democratic Credentials Network Ghana, said responses from organisations such as Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and Traders Advocacy Group Ghana reflected what the CSOs described as a defensive posture.

The group had organised a press conference on June 3, 2026, to raise concerns about the poor implementation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) by Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, port disinfection services by LCB Worldwide, revenue collection practices, and the overall impact of these issues on government and port stakeholders.

According to the statement, the coalition believes the posture of some stakeholders lends credence to concerns they had raised regarding the management of port operations. The CSOs maintained that issues surrounding ICUMS, port disinfection services, and revenue collection are matters of legitimate public interest that deserve open scrutiny and constructive engagement.

The organisations argued that rather than addressing the concerns raised, some stakeholders had focused on defending institutional interests. They said it was becoming increasingly difficult to understand why calls for accountability and transparency at the country's ports should be met with hostility.

The statement further expressed concern about what they described as the government's lack of urgency in responding to the issues. The coalition questioned whether alleged irregularities within the port sector were receiving adequate attention despite the government's commitment to accountability initiatives, including the ORAL programme.

The CSOs stated that genuine reforms can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue, evidence-based assessments, and a willingness to acknowledge operational shortcomings where they exist. They argued that the focus should be on improving efficiency and transparency within the port sector rather than defending existing arrangements.

As part of their recommendations, the coalition called on the Government of Ghana to institute an independent review of port disinfection services and all related contractual arrangements. They argued that such a review would help establish the facts and restore public confidence in the management of port operations.

The CSOs also urged key state institutions, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Shippers Authority, and Ghana Revenue Authority, to provide full disclosure on revenue flows, service obligations, and performance indicators associated with port disinfection services and the implementation of ICUMS.

In addition, they called on Parliament of Ghana and other oversight institutions to strengthen scrutiny of all port-related service providers and concession arrangements to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money.

The statement, signed by O. B. Kofi, Co-Convener of the New Voter Forum, on behalf of the joint CSOs, reaffirmed the coalition's commitment to supporting reforms that promote good governance and accountability within Ghana's port sector. The organisations said they would continue to advocate for independent investigations and reforms, insisting that legitimate concerns affecting the country's ports should not be ignored.