Stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping, trade, and logistics sectors have unanimously called for the expansion of the disinfection health service operated by the Ghana Health Service through its crisis management partner, LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited.

This call was made during a stakeholder meeting on the Ghana Health Service’s Disinfection Health Service held in Accra on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Representatives from key industry associations including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana (FFAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana (EFFAG), Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) commended the effectiveness of LCB Worldwide’s operations at the ports and points of entry.

They expressed satisfaction with the disinfection process, emphasising that it causes no delays in the clearance chain and has significantly strengthened Ghana’s preparedness for pandemics and public health emergencies.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. Raphael John Marfo, international public health and biosecurity expert at LCB Worldwide, and former Director of Port Health at the Ghana Health Service.

Dr. Marfo elaborated on the concept of biosecurity and its critical importance to Ghana’s maritime operations, and noted that Ghana has taken a continental lead in implementing the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations (IHR) through the disinfection of cargo at the ports and points of entry.

He added that Tanzania and Nigeria have begun studying Ghana’s model implemented jointly by the Ghana Health Service and LCB Worldwide, with the aim of replicating it.

Dr. Marfo cited increased port-entry efficiency, enhanced shipping and travel safety, improved international credibility, and reduced operational costs as key benefits of the programme.

In a presentation on sustaining Ghana’s biosecurity, Fiifi Buabeng-Baiden, lead for partnerships and programmes at LCB Worldwide Ghana, outlined the hidden dangers of global trade and highlighted the necessity of WHO-endorsed biosecurity interventions, such as disinfection at designated points of entry.

He revealed that unlike Ghana which implements the programme at no cost to the government, other countries spend significant amounts annually on similar interventions:

• Belarus: USD 5–10 million
• China: USD 10–20 million
• Japan: USD 25–30 million
• Russia: USD 5–10 million

Mr. Buabeng-Baiden added that key aspects of Ghana’s approach is benchmarked against countries such as the United States, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa.

Mr. Bernard Brown, Deputy Director in charge of External Health at the Ministry of Health, commended LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited for its excellent work at ports and points of entry.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the country from pandemics and diseases through ongoing fumigation and disinfection efforts.

Chairing the engagement, Dr. Joseph Obeng, Former President and Council Member of GUTA, pledged his continuous support for the programme and backed calls for its expansion across the country.

He urged the government to assess the programme’s benefits, noting that it has positioned Ghana as a regional safe haven in terms of health security.

Dr. Obeng recalled earlier in the year when LCB met stakeholders and agreed that they put on hold an increment of their fees because of the exchange rate volatility. This, to him, demonstrated the company’s sensitivity to the plight of the Ghanaian trader and the general public.

An executive member of the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), Mr. Samuel Aggrey, on his part, touted the implementation of the International Health Regulations at the ports as the key and major policy initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, and called for its expansion.

Head of Research and Public Relations, Ms. Esinam Adukpo, expressed profound appreciation to stakeholders for their overwhelming support and continued collaboration.

She assured them of the company’s unwavering commitment to serving Ghana diligently and efficiently. She further assured that improved equipment, upgraded monitoring systems, and strengthened protocols are being implemented to keep Ghana’s disinfection regime at points of entry responsive to evolving threats.

She reiterated the commitment of the company to continue to undertake its Corporate Social Responsibility of fumigating and disinfecting market centers and schools across the country in partnership with government and stakeholders.