Ghana Link Refutes Reports of Scanner Failures at Kotoka Airport, Calls for Retraction of “False and Damaging” Claims
Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, operators of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has issued a strong rebuttal to media reports alleging that scanners at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Cargo Village are non-functional, and that Ghana is relying solely on sniffer dogs to detect narcotics and contraband at its ports of entry.
In a detailed statement issued on Monday, the company described the claims as “entirely false, misleading, and damaging to the integrity of Ghana’s border security systems and the private entities mandated to safeguard them.”
“All scanners are fully functional and operational,” the company stressed, citing the deployment of five scanners at the KIA Cargo Village, four for exports and one for imports, all of which, it says, are maintained and functioning optimally.
The export scanners manufactured by the French firm Smiths Heimann are stationed across Swissport, AGCPC (Air Ghana Cargo Processing Centre), and Aviance facilities. For inbound cargo, Ghana Link indicated that a high-capacity Rapiscan Eagle A25 scanner, built by U.S.-based Rapiscan Systems and AS&E, is in full operation. According to the firm, this scanner is one of only three such models currently operational in Africa.
Cargo Movement and NACOC Protocols
Providing clarity on cargo handling protocols, Ghana Link noted that all imports are moved from the tarmac to the scanners for mandatory inspection before customs clearance, while exports undergo scanning after documentation and examination, prior to entry into secured biometric warehouses.
The company also clarified the role of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the use of sniffer dogs, which, it noted, are occasionally deployed based on intelligence, as occurred in a recent case that has fuelled public speculation.
“In that instance, NACOC acted on credible intelligence and deployed dogs before the goods reached the scanner. That does not imply the scanners were down,” Ghana Link explained.
Impact of False Claims
Describing the media reports as not only misleading but also dangerous, the company warned of potential reputational and economic consequences:
Erosion of public and stakeholder confidence in Ghana’s border control systems
Risk of unwarranted international scrutiny of the country’s trade and security environment
Damage to the credibility of service providers like Ghana Link, which have invested in port infrastructure and security
Furthermore, the company pointed out that if the scanners were indeed out of service, freight forwarders, customs agents, and shipping lines would have raised concerns over delays, demurrage, and spoilage of perishable goods, none of which has occurred.
Demand for Retraction and Accuracy
Ghana Link is therefore demanding that all media outlets responsible for the initial reports retract and correct the misinformation without delay. The company also called on the public and stakeholders to verify such sensitive claims before dissemination.
“We remain committed to supporting the State and its institutions in enhancing Ghana’s border integrity, but this commitment must be matched with truth, accountability, and collaboration and not misrepresentation,” the company stated.
