In a globalized and fast-paced economy, no business operates in isolation. The movement of raw materials, finished goods, and digital data depends on complex networks of suppliers, distributors, transporters, and contractors. Each of these connections is a potential vulnerability — and one weak link can undo years of trust and investment.
Across Ghana, from the Tema Port to regional distribution hubs, businesses face growing risks along their supply chains. Theft, fraud, tampering, and cyber-enabled interference are now as real a threat as mechanical breakdowns or delayed shipments.
As the 24-hour economy gathers pace, companies that fail to secure their supply chains could find themselves paying the price in losses, reputation, and customer confidence.
In mid-2023, a major consumer goods distributor in Accra experienced a series of unexplained product losses. Deliveries to retail outlets routinely fell short by several cartons, but paperwork always balanced. After weeks of confusion, a discreet audit revealed that a group of drivers and loaders were colluding with retailers to under-deliver stock while falsifying waybills.
The scam had been running for months, costing the company tens of thousands of cedis. It was not a high-tech crime — just an old-fashioned breach of trust within a poorly supervised system. The company’s mistake was assuming loyalty without verification. After tightening delivery controls, introducing GPS tracking, and rotating staff, the leak stopped almost immediately.
This case highlights a common pattern in Ghana’s logistics landscape: when monitoring is weak, the system relies entirely on individual honesty — and that is where risk thrives.
Modern supply chains extend far beyond warehouses and transport routes. In today’s business world, suppliers may also include IT service providers, outsourced accountants, or data storage vendors. Each one handles critical information that, if compromised, could disrupt operations or expose the company to fraud.
Globally, supply chain breaches have become one of the fastest-growing sources of corporate loss. Criminals target smaller third-party partners with weaker security and use them as entry points to larger firms. Ghana is no exception. The growing use of subcontractors, freelance drivers, and informal couriers has increased exposure to theft, misrouting, and counterfeit goods entering legitimate channels.
At ports and border points, unauthorized access and document manipulation remain persistent challenges. The Ghana Revenue Authority and Customs Division have introduced new electronic tracking and verification systems, yet fraudulent declarations and cargo tampering continue. For private businesses, the lesson is clear: securing your own operations is not enough — you must secure your partners too.
A Tema-based manufacturing firm offers a positive example of how proactive supply chain management can save both money and reputation. The company produces fast-moving consumer goods for national distribution. After a series of near-misses involving diverted shipments, management conducted a full risk audit.
They discovered that several third-party transporters lacked insurance, GPS tracking, or clear accountability for losses. The firm responded by implementing a verified transporter program, requiring all logistics partners to meet minimum security and safety standards. Drivers were trained on route discipline and emergency reporting procedures, while all shipments were digitally logged.
Within six months, delivery discrepancies dropped by 80%. More importantly, customer confidence improved — retailers noticed that products now arrived on time and intact. Security awareness, once seen as an operational cost, had become a competitive advantage.
Neglecting supply chain security can have ripple effects across multiple sectors. A single stolen container or falsified consignment note can trigger investigations, delay payments, and damage client relationships. When counterfeit or expired goods infiltrate the market through unverified distributors, brands lose credibility that may never be regained.
The reputational cost is particularly severe for export-oriented firms. International buyers now demand proof of ethical sourcing, product integrity, and compliance with safety standards. A supply chain breach in Ghana can quickly affect contracts abroad.
Similarly, in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and technology, a compromised supply chain is not only a business risk but a public safety issue. A tampered shipment of medicine or contaminated food product can have devastating human and legal consequences.
Supply chain security begins at the top. Executives and business owners must set clear expectations for integrity, safety, and transparency. Procurement officers should verify every vendor, not just on price but on reliability and security posture. Logistics teams should be empowered to flag anomalies without fear of blame.
Technology can enhance oversight — GPS tracking, electronic seals, and inventory management software can deter theft and streamline monitoring. But technology works best when paired with strong ethics and consistent supervision.
Equally important is collaboration. Businesses should build closer relationships with law enforcement, regulators, and industry associations. Sharing intelligence on theft trends, fraudulent practices, or suspicious actors benefits everyone in the supply chain.
- Vet your partners. Conduct background checks on all suppliers, transporters, and service providers. Ensure they comply with legal and ethical standards.
2. Digitize your records. Use electronic tracking and documentation to reduce manipulation and improve visibility across the supply chain.
3. Train your people. Awareness is your first line of defense. Educate staff and drivers on identifying suspicious activities and handling emergencies.
4. Build in redundancy. Have backup suppliers and contingency routes in case of disruption or compromise.
5. Audit and review. Conduct regular, unannounced audits to detect irregularities early and maintain accountability.
A secure supply chain is not merely about preventing theft — it is about protecting trust, ensuring reliability, and sustaining competitiveness. In Ghana’s expanding business landscape, where goods move faster and farther than ever before, vigilance must travel with them.
Businesses that treat supply chain security as part of their brand promise, not just a logistical requirement, will earn the confidence of customers and partners alike. Because in the end, a strong chain is not measured by its length, but by the strength of every single link.
The writer is a Certified Protection Professional and former Director-General, Police Public Affairs Directorate and CEO of MISORNU SAFETY CENTER .a Ghanaian-based NGO dedicated to promoting and developing a Security and Safety Awareness culture at the individual, community, and corporate levels. Our goal is to create a proactive and responsible security culture and mindset where Security and Safety are not considered as the sole preserve of those in the State and those in the private security industry
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