Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised serious concerns over what they describe as entrenched “crony capitalism” and systemic inefficiencies within Ghana’s port operations, warning that weaknesses in disinfection services and customs systems are costing the state significant revenue and posing risks to public health.

At a joint press conference held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the International Press Centre in Accra, the CSOs said their advocacy is aimed at improving port service delivery in line with the government’s “reset agenda.”

The groups, including the New Voter Forum and the Democratic Credentials Network Ghana, alleged that inefficiencies and questionable practices within key port service systems are undermining national development and trade competitiveness.

Speaking at the briefing, Conqueror M. Korto, Lead Governor of the New Voter Forum, accused some actors within the port ecosystem of operating what he described as a “well-oiled machinery of crony capitalism” that has become deeply embedded in port operations.

The CSOs specifically raised concerns about port disinfection services reportedly handled by LCB Worldwide, alleging that service delivery standards fall below acceptable benchmarks despite significant public expenditure.

Mr. Korto claimed that independent assessments and investigative findings suggest the company is not delivering value commensurate with the funds it receives.

He further alleged that senior officials of the Ghana Health Service had publicly praised the company despite concerns over performance.

The group also criticised the Ghana Health Service, alleging failure to enforce adequate sanitary measures at the ports, which they described as the country’s first line of defence against cross-border health risks.

They further referenced earlier findings by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which reportedly identified significant financial irregularities in port disinfection contracts, including the retention of approximately GHS345 million in private accounts.

The CSOs said the OSP had directed the Ghana Health Service to account for the arrangement and strengthen institutional integrity systems.

The group questioned the extent of compliance with these directives and called for transparency on corrective actions taken.

On customs operations, the CSOs also expressed concern over the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), describing it as unreliable and disruptive to trade facilitation.

They alleged that frequent system downtime delays cargo clearance, increases business costs, and reduces Ghana’s attractiveness as a regional logistics hub.

According to Mr. Korto, traders continue to incur demurrage charges even during system outages, describing the situation as unfair and economically damaging. He also cited concerns about system manipulation and inefficiencies that allegedly result in revenue losses and increased costs to importers and consumers.

The CSOs urged government to undertake urgent reforms, including a multi-stakeholder engagement on port disinfection services led by the Ghana Shippers Authority, an independent audit of ICUMS by an international firm, and a review of corruption risk assessment recommendations previously issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

They further called for the establishment of an independent trade systems regulatory commission outside the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to oversee digital trade infrastructure.

The groups warned that continued inefficiencies and alleged politically linked rent-seeking practices could undermine Ghana’s trade competitiveness and deepen public distrust in state institutions.

“The capture of our trade ecosystem is a capture of our national destiny,” Mr. Korto cautioned, urging civil society, the media, traders, and Parliament to intensify scrutiny and demand accountability in port operations.