Former Director of Port Health Highlights Ghana’s Global Leadership in Biosecurity at LCB Stakeholder Meeting
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra, Ghana l Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Former Director of Port Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Raphael John Marfo, has underscored the critical role of biosecurity at Ghana’s points of entry, stressing that the country’s strong systems have positioned it as a continental reference point in port health management.
Delivering a presentation titled “The Importance of Biosecurity at the Ports: Foundational Principles and Current Challenges” during the LCB Worldwide Ghana Ltd. Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held Wednesday at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, Dr. Marfo described ports and entry points as “the main pathways of microbes into every country.”
Ports as Gateways for Global Health Threats
Dr. Marfo explained that increasing global mobility, trade, and the constant movement of goods and people mean that pathogens often travel unnoticed into countries through vessels, containers, aircraft, and vehicles.
“Whether we like it or not, our points of entry are the pathways of microbes into every country,” he said. “COVID-19 entered through airports and seaports. As we go in for goods, we bring vessels and containers — and along the route, we unknowingly carry unseen microbes into our countries.”
He noted that imported goods and conveyances can introduce dangerous organisms unless disinfection is consistently undertaken.
Ghana’s Biosecurity Success During COVID-19
Dr. Marfo highlighted Ghana’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic as a defining moment that demonstrated the strength of its biosecurity systems — particularly the role of LCB Worldwide Ghana.
“During COVID, Ghana closed its borders and airport, but we never closed the seaport,” he said. “This was because LCB was disinfecting all containers and vehicles entering the country. Nigeria closed their port, but they came to learn from Ghana how we managed to keep ours open.”
He revealed that Tanzania, Nigeria, and other African countries have since approached Ghana to study and replicate the country’s biosecurity model, describing Ghana as a “pace setter” on the continent.
Biosecurity Strengthens Health Systems and Economic Stability
Dr. Marfo outlined key benefits of strong biosecurity systems, including:
- Protection of trade and port operations even during pandemics
- Increased port efficiency and uninterrupted shipping activities
- Enhanced national health system capacity
- Improved investor confidence
- Reinforcement of national security and economic resilience
He recalled that Ghana exceeded its port revenue targets in 2020 partly because other countries had shut their ports while Ghana’s remained open due to robust disinfection protocols.
“Effective biosecurity promotes coordinated response to emerging diseases,” he added. “When LCB works with stakeholders and the Ghana Health Service, the system becomes stronger.”
Alignment with International Health Regulations
Dr. Marfo noted that Ghana has domesticated the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) into its Public Health Act (Act 851), ensuring that biosecurity measures at points of entry meet global standards.
He emphasized that biosecurity at ports prevents the international spread of diseases and maintains Ghana’s credibility in global shipping and trade.
Continuous Improvement Needed
While applauding the work of LCB Worldwide Ghana, Dr. Marfo encouraged stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
“Where we think they must improve, we must support them. And where they are doing well, let’s encourage them,” he said. “Pandemics will come because our economies are globalized. The first point of call should be the biosecurity zone to take care of any microbe entering or leaving our country.”
A Call for Sustained Collaboration
Dr. Marfo concluded by urging all stakeholders — government agencies, traders, port operators, and health professionals — to continue working together to strengthen Ghana’s biosecurity infrastructure.
“Our economy depends on safe entry and exit of goods. Biosecurity protects our health, enhances trade, and ensures a better living for all Ghanaians,” he said.
