The LCB Worldwide Ghana hosted a stakeholder engagement meeting on cross‑border health security, where former Director of Port Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Raphael John Marfo, underscored the vital role of disinfection services in shielding nations from biological threats.
Dr. Marfo explained that the Public Health Department, now operated by LCB Worldwide, is responsible for preventing, controlling and, where possible, managing disease entry through ports – the main conduits for microbes amid rising global trade and travel. He noted that increased mobility allows ships, containers and vehicles to transport pathogens from distant regions into Ghana and Nigeria.
A recent example involved a vessel from Brazil that docked at a Ghanaian port carrying contaminated cargo. Prompt disinfection of the shipment averted a potential outbreak and showed how coordinated action can keep port operations running during a pandemic.
Nigeria has taken interest in Ghana’s model. The Nigerian port authority observed LCB’s protocol, which treats every incoming container and vehicle to eliminate microbial threats. Implemented after a temporary seaport closure earlier this year, the approach has helped maintain trade flow while protecting public health.
The programme is backed by a 2017 service agreement and a 2019 amendment, aligns with WHO International Health Regulations, and meets ISO standards for quality, safety and environmental management. LCB’s partnership with the Ghana Health Service has also spurred research and development of more effective disinfectants, contributing to a decline in diseases such as monkeypox.
International attention is growing: a delegation from Tanzania visited the port to learn about the disinfection system and explore similar collaborations. Dr. Marfo stressed that such coordination not only safeguards health but also preserves economic stability, ensuring ports remain open even as the world faces unpredictable disease threats.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong
