"Ghana Link Defends Integrity of E-Tracking System Amid National Security Criticism"

" Ghana Link Defends Integrity of E-Tracking System Amid National Security Criticism \r\n Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, technical operators of Ghana\u2019s Electronic Cargo Tracking (E-Tracking) system, has rejected recent public claims by a National Security operative in Kumasi questioning the reliability of the system, describing the allegations as \u201cdeeply misleading\u201d and a threat to inter-agency trust. \r\n The operative had reportedly cited a consignment under Bill of Entry number 80525271236 while questioning the credibility of the tracking devices in comments to the media. Ghana Link, however, contends that the system functioned as intended, adhering to regulatory protocols throughout the consignment\u2019s journey. \r\n In a detailed rejoinder issued on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Ghana Link outlined a five-step chronology of events which it argues demonstrates the system\u2019s responsiveness and operational integrity. \r\n According to the account, the shipment in question began its journey on May 9 with tracking devices affixed under Customs supervision at the Akanu border. Subsequent route and cargo adjustments, including a shift in destination from Elubo to Oseikojokrom, were also conducted with Customs approval. A third tracking device was issued and installed under similar supervision. \r\n The company then noted a tense encounter on May 16 when National Security operatives allegedly attempted to compel an E-Tracking officer to unlock a tracking device without proper authorisation. The officer refused and was briefly detained until a senior official intervened. \r\n On May 26, Customs approved a regime change from transit to home consumption, routing the goods to Kumasi. Later that day, a rope-cut alert was automatically triggered by one of the devices\u2014a development Ghana Link says confirms the system\u2019s responsiveness. By May 28, all relevant agencies, including the National Investigations Bureau, were present during cargo examination in Kumasi. \r\n \u201cIn all these events, there was no system failure. The tracking devices were affixed, monitored, and alerts were generated in line with system design,\u201d the company said. \u201cOur officer acted within the limits of protocol\u2014even under threat.\u201d \r\n Ghana Link emphasized that the E-Tracking platform integrates directly with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), offering real-time monitoring, breach alerts, and audit trails. Since implementation, it has bolstered customs revenue assurance by reducing transit cargo diversion and enhancing operational transparency. \r\n \u201cThe system is tamper-evident, GPS-enabled, and built to international compliance standards. Casting public doubt on such a key national asset not only undermines confidence but jeopardizes the progress made in digital customs reform and inter-agency coordination,\u201d said Norvan Acquah-Hayford, Head of Public Relations at Ghana Link. \r\n The company expressed concern over the public posture of the National Security official, calling for more constructive engagement to resolve any operational misunderstandings. \r\n Ghana Link reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and inter-agency collaboration, urging all stakeholders to rely on established protocols and dialogue rather than public confrontations. \r\n REJOINDER: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON GHANA\u2019S E-TRACKING \u00a0 SYSTEM \u2013 OUR SYSTEM IS ROBUST, SECURE, AND FIT FOR PURPOSE\u00a0 \r\n\r\n Accra, Ghana \u2013 June 4, 2025 \u2013 Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, technical operators of the\u00a0 Electronic Cargo Tracking (E-Tracking) system under the Integrated Customs Management\u00a0 System (ICUMS), has taken note of recent comments made by a National Security officer in\u00a0 Kumasi, who reportedly expressed distrust in the credibility of the tracking system used to monitor goods in transit. The comments were made publicly to journalists and cited a specific consignment under BOE number 80525271236.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n We consider these comments not only inaccurate but also deeply misleading. As the company responsible for designing and deploying the E-Tracking solution across Ghana\u2019s transit corridors,\u00a0 we find it necessary to respond with facts and provide clarity on the events that transpired, all of which demonstrate that the system functioned effectively, securely, and in full compliance with\u00a0 Customs regulations.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED\u00a0 \r\n \r\n \t May 9, 2025 \u2013 Two tracking devices were requested and issued to JOELIGHT\u00a0 INVESTMENT LTD for goods destined for Elubo. These devices (IDs 7500407372 and\u00a0 7500408751) were affixed to the respective trucks under Customs supervision at Akanu border post in the Volta region.\u00a0 \r\n \t May 16, 2025 \u2013 Due to overloading detected at the Axle Weighing Station on the Accra Tema Motorway, the agency sought and received Customs approval to offload onto a third truck and change the destination from Elubo to Oseikojokrom. A third tracking device (ID\u00a0 7581212319) was affixed to the new truck, again under full Customs supervision. \r\n \r\n \r\n \t Same Day, 7:30 PM \u2013 While affixing the third device, our E-Tracking officer was approached by eight National Security operatives who demanded that the device be unlocked to allow the truck to be moved to a state warehouse. Lacking formal authorisation, our officer rightly refused to comply. He was subsequently threatened and briefly detained before being released following intervention by our E-Tracking Manager via phone conversation.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n This incident is troubling. Attempts by operatives to bypass formal procedures and intimidate a law-abiding officer undermine both national systems and inter-agency collaboration.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n \t May 26, 2025 \u2013 The declarant now applied to change the cargo regime from transit to home\u00a0 consumption. This was duly approved by Customs. The goods were routed to Kumasi for examination and duty payment.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n On the same day, a rope-cut alert was automatically triggered by one of the tracking devices (ID\u00a0 8294402511). This alert was generated by our system and swiftly investigated \u2014 further proof of the technology\u2019s responsiveness.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n \t May 28, 2025 \u2013 Upon arrival in Kumasi, the Sector Commander ordered that the trucks be taken to the Aboabo Transit Yard. Officials from Customs, our E-Tracking Unit (Kumasi),\u00a0 National Security, and the National Investigations Bureau were present for device unlocking and cargo examination. It was during this process that the National Security officer publicly questioned the reliability of the E-Tracking system in comments made to the media.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n OUR RESPONSE: E-TRACKING IS A TESTED AND TRUSTED NATIONAL ASSET\u00a0 \r\n\r\n We firmly reject the suggestion that Ghana\u2019s E-Tracking system is untrustworthy. The facts and\u00a0 system logs clearly show that the devices operated as designed:\u00a0 \r\n \r\n \t Devices were affixed under Customs supervision. \r\n \t All route changes and consignor requests were approved by Customs in the ICUMS\u00a0 system.\u00a0 \r\n \t Alerts were automatically generated.\u00a0 \r\n \t No tracking failure occurred.\u00a0 \r\n \t Our staff acted professionally, even under intimidation.\u00a0 \r\n \r\n Ghana\u2019s E-Tracking system is a tamper-evident, GPS-enabled, real-time tracking solution built to international security and compliance standards. It integrates seamlessly with the ICUMS\u00a0 and provides live route monitoring, breach alerts, and audit trails accessible to Customs and\u00a0 enforcement agencies.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n Since its implementation, the system has significantly enhanced, Revenue assurance by reducing transit cargo diversion, Trade corridor security through route visibility and Operational transparency for all stakeholders.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n We are concerned that a National Security officer, whose role is to support institutional cooperation, would make such an unsubstantiated public claim. These comments risk undermining years of progress made in digital customs reform, trade facilitation, and inter-agency synergy.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n Ghana Link Network Services Ltd stands by the robustness, credibility, and success of the E-tracking system. We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, security, and collaborative governance in the interest of Ghana\u2019s trade and national revenue mobilisation.\u00a0 \r\n\r\n We remain open to engaging with all stakeholders, including National Security, to address concerns constructively and to strengthen coordination across the cargo clearance and monitoring value chain.\u00a0 \r\n\r\nEND"

"Ghana Link Defends Integrity of E-Tracking System Amid National Security Criticism"

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