By Laudia Sawer, GNA
Accra, Dec. 04, GNA – Dr Raphael John Marfo, an International Public Health and Biosecurity Expert at LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited, has stated that Ghana has taken a continental lead in implementing the World Health Organistion’s International Health Regulations (IHR).
Dr Marfo, who is also a former Director of Port Health at the Ghana Health Service, said this has been done through the disinfection of cargo at the ports and points of entry by LCB worldwide, a crisis management institution in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service.
He said this in a presentation during a stakeholder meeting on the Ghana Health Service’s Disinfection Health Service held in Accra.
He elaborated on the concept of biosecurity and its critical importance to Ghana’s maritime operations.
The biosecurity expert added that Tanzania and Nigeria have begun studying Ghana’s model implemented with the aim of replicating it.
He said the key benefits of the disinfection programme included increased port-entry efficiency, enhanced shipping and travel safety, improved international credibility, and reduced operational costs.
Mr Fiifi Buabeng-Baiden, the Lead for Partnerships and Programmes at LCB Worldwide Ghana, in a presentation on sustaining Ghana’s biosecurity, outlined the hidden dangers of global trade and highlighted the necessity of WHO-endorsed biosecurity interventions, such as disinfection at designated points of entry.
Mr Buabeng-Baiden revealed that, unlike Ghana, which implements the programme at no cost to the government, other countries spend significant amounts annually on similar interventions, citing examples of Belarus, US$ 5–10 million; China, US$ 10–20 million; Japan, US$ 25–30 million; and Russia, US$ 5–10 million.
He added that key aspects of Ghana’s approach were benchmarked against countries such as the United States, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa.
Mr Bernard Brown, the Deputy Director in charge of External Health at the Ministry of Health, commended the company for its excellent work at ports and points of entry.
Mr Brown reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the country from pandemics and diseases through ongoing fumigation and disinfection efforts.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping, trade, and logistics sectors have unanimously called for the expansion of the disinfection health programme 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.
The stakeholders included 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), and the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG).
Others were the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FABAG), the Exim Frozen Foods Association of Ghana (EFFAG), Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), the Association of Customs House Agents Ghana (ACHAG), and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU).
Dr Obeng recalled earlier in the year when LCB met stakeholders, and they 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 public.
Mr Samuel Aggrey, an Executive Member of FABAG, 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.
Ms Esinam Adukpo, the Head of Research and Public Relations at LCB Worldwide, appreciated the stakeholders for their overwhelming support and continued collaboration and 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 were being implemented to keep Ghana’s disinfection regime at points of entry responsive to evolving threats.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade