The Media Coalition for Good Governance (MCGG) has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to support ongoing reforms at the country’s ports through constructive criticism and evidence-based advocacy.
According to the coalition, while stakeholder scrutiny remains essential to accountability and institutional improvement, public claims that are not supported by credible evidence risk creating unnecessary alarm and could derail important reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency at Ghana’s ports.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, the Convener of MCGG, Mr Kwadwo Baffour Atuahene, cautioned that unverified allegations could undermine efforts to improve trade facilitation and public confidence in the sector.
He expressed concern over recent assertions by some CSOs regarding operations at the country’s ports, particularly claims relating to port disinfection services and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
The Convener of MCGG described the allegations as unsubstantiated and cautioned against drawing conclusions without verifiable data and professional assessment.
“Let me be equally clear on another important point. Acknowledging that systems can improve is not the same as accepting unsupported allegations,” Mr Atuahene stated.
He noted that no port system anywhere in the world was perfect, stressing that even the most advanced ports continued to undergo reforms and operational improvements to meet changing global standards.
“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,” he explained.
Mr Atuahene said the coalition fully supported efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, infrastructure and operational standards within the port sector. However, he stressed that meaningful reforms must be informed by facts, data and objective analysis rather than speculation.
He further acknowledged the important role CSOs play in promoting democratic accountability, transparency and policy reforms, but emphasised that such advocacy must be guided by accuracy and fairness.
“Civil society organisations are critical partners in national development. However, that role carries with it a responsibility to ensure that public statements meet a minimum standard of accuracy, fairness and evidentiary integrity,” he said.
According to him, assertions made without supporting data, clear methodology or verifiable findings do little to advance reforms and instead weaken public trust in key national institutions.
Mr Atuahene noted that sectors such as trade facilitation and public health protection required all stakeholders to embrace 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 stated.
Mr Atuahene said coalition was committed to transparency and accountability and called on all stakeholders to focus on evidence-driven solutions that would contribute to the continued modernisation and competitiveness of Ghana’s ports
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
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