Accra: Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the operator of the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS), has confirmed that all scanners at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Cargo Village are fully operational. The company has refuted claims that the facility’s scanners were non-functional, leading to a dependency on sniffer dogs for detecting narcotics and contraband.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ghana Link described the reports of non-functional scanners as “entirely false, misleading, and damaging.” Norvan Acquah-Hayford, Head of Public Relations at Ghana Link, emphasized that such misinformation could undermine public confidence in port and border security. The company also warned that these claims could attract unnecessary scrutiny from international stakeholders in aviation, trade, and security.
The statement from Ghana Link clarified that there are currently five operational scanners at KIA Cargo Village. Four scanners are dedicated to export operations and one to imports. The export scanners, manufactured by Smiths Heimann of France, are used by facilities operated by Swissport, Air Ghana Cargo Processing Centre, and Aviance, ensuring optimal efficiency. The import scanner, a Rapiscan Eagle A25 from the United States, is one of only three such high-performance scanners in Africa and is actively used for screening inbound cargo for illegal goods.
The statement detailed the standard cargo processing procedure at KIA, which involves mandatory scanning of all goods before release to Customs or airline handlers. While sniffer dogs from the Narcotics Control Commission are occasionally deployed, their use is based on intelligence-led operations and only serves as an additional security measure.
Ghana Link reiterated that if the scanners were indeed out of service, there would have been significant disruptions, including shipping delays and complaints from stakeholders. However, no such disturbances have been reported, reinforcing the company’s position on the scanners’ operational status.
The company called for accurate reporting on matters affecting national security and trade, urging for corrections to the misinformation. Ghana Link highlighted the importance of the scanning infrastructure as Ghana’s first line of defense against the trafficking of prohibited goods and stressed the need for responsible reporting.
Ghana Link reaffirmed its commitment to working with the State and security agencies to uphold border integrity and comply with international standards. The company pledged transparency and responsiveness to legitimate concerns while safeguarding the integrity of systems designed to protect Ghana.