Media Coalition for Good Governance (MCGG) has dismissed recent claims by joints CSO’S about Ghana’s port operations as unsupported by verifiable evidence, warning that such assertions risk diverting attention from genuine efforts to strengthen the country’s health security and trade systems.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, 5th June, 2026, Kwadwo Baffour Atuahene, Convener of the MCGG cautioned against attempts by some institutions and groups to shift focus from ongoing reforms at the ports. He insisted that any reform must be grounded in facts, data, and professional analysis.
“Let me be equally clear on another important point. Acknowledging that systems can improve is not the same as accepting unsupported allegations,” he said.
“No port system in the world is perfect. Like all advanced ports globally, Ghana’s ports require continuous enhancement across various areas, including customs operations, terminal management, shipping logistics, health surveillance systems, and related regulatory frameworks.”
The MCGG Convener said his outfit fully supports ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, infrastructure, and operational standards throughout the port ecosystem. However, he stressed that constructive reform cannot be driven by claims that lack factual backing.
Mr. Atuahene also acknowledged the role of civil society organisations in democratic accountability and policy reform. “However, that role carries with it a responsibility to ensure that public statements meet a minimum standard of accuracy, fairness, and evidentiary integrity,” he stated.
He warned that when assertions are made without data, methodology, or verifiable findings, they do not contribute to meaningful reform. “They undermine it,” he added.
According to him, sectors as sensitive as national trade facilitation and public health protection require all stakeholders to commit to fact-based discourse, constructive engagement, and responsible advocacy.
“That is how institutions are strengthened. That is how public confidence is maintained. And that is how Ghana’s health security architecture can continue to evolve and improve in the national interest,” he concluded.
The comments come amid recent concerns raised by some CSOs over port disinfection services and the reliability of the Integrated Customs Management System, ICUMS, which they described as disruptive to trade.
MCGG said it remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability, but urged all actors to avoid sensationalism and focus on evidence-driven solutions.
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