Ghana Link Scanners at Kotoka Fully Functional
Accra, Ghana – October 23, 2023 – Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the operator of the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS), has issued a strong rebuttal to recent media reports alleging that scanning equipment at Kotoka International Airport’s Cargo Village is non-functional. The company stressed that these claims are not only false but also detrimental to the integrity of Ghana’s border security.
In a statement released today, Ghana Link Network Services Ltd clarified that all five scanners currently in operation at the airport are fully functional. This includes four export scanners manufactured by Smiths Heimann, a leader in airport security technology, and one high-performance import scanner from Rapiscan Systems, which is among only three of its kind in Africa.
The company detailed that the scanning process is a mandatory procedure for all cargo arriving by air. Goods are moved directly from the tarmac to the scanning machines before being released to Customs. Additionally, the deployment of sniffer dogs by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) serves as an extra layer of security based on credible intelligence rather than a replacement for the scanners.
“We are alarmed by the inaccurate information circulating in the media,” said a spokesperson for Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. “The assertion that all scanners are broken down is incorrect and undermines public trust in our security systems.”
The company also highlighted the potential ramifications of such misinformation, including damage to the reputation of companies dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s border security and attracting undue scrutiny from international stakeholders.
Ghana Link Network Services Ltd is calling for an immediate correction of the misleading information and urges media outlets to retract and clarify the erroneous headlines that have gained traction both locally and internationally.
“We remind the public and relevant institutions that our scanning infrastructure is the first line of defense against contraband, including narcotics and arms,” the spokesperson added. “These systems are closely monitored and maintained to ensure compliance with international safety and trade facilitation standards.”
The company emphasized that if the scanners were indeed dysfunctional, it would have led to significant delays and increased costs for freight forwarders and shipping lines, triggering widespread concern across the industry.
As Ghana Link Network Services Ltd continues its commitment to enhancing the security of Ghana’s borders, it calls on all stakeholders to prioritize truth and accountability in discussions surrounding national security.