Ghana Link Dismisses Reports of Broken Scanners at Kotoka Airport as “False and Misleading”

By: Samuel Asamoah

Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the company managing the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has refuted widespread media claims suggesting that all cargo scanners at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Cargo Village are broken down, stating that the reports are not only false but damaging to Ghana’s border security reputation.

The company, in a press release dated June 14, 2025, described the allegations as “entirely misleading” and called on media outlets involved to immediately retract and correct the claims.

Scanners Fully Operational – Ghana Link Sets the Record Straight

According to the statement, five scanners are currently in full operation at KIA’s Cargo Village. These include four export scanners operated by Swissport, AGCPC (Air Ghana Cargo Processing Centre), and Aviance, and one high-performance import scanner—Rapiscan Eagle A25—located at the KIA Import Section.

Ghana Link clarified that all scanners are modern systems manufactured by reputable global companies — Smiths Heimann of France and Rapiscan Systems of the United States. The Rapiscan Eagle A25, specifically, is one of only three of its kind in Africa and remains a key component in intercepting contraband, including narcotics and arms.

“All cargo arriving at or leaving the airport undergoes mandatory scanning and customs clearance procedures,” the statement emphasized. “There has been no breakdown. These scanners are fully functional and are maintained in compliance with international aviation and trade standards.”

Use of Sniffer Dogs Based on Intelligence – Not Equipment Failure

The company also clarified that the use of sniffer dogs by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) does not indicate scanner failure. Rather, such deployments are part of standard security procedures based on credible intelligence.

“In the specific incident being discussed in the media, NACOC acted on intel and deployed dogs even before the goods reached the scanners,” Ghana Link noted. “This layered approach is part of global best practices in border security.”

Reputational Damage and Risk to National Security

Ghana Link expressed concern over the impact of the false reports, warning that such misinformation could erode public trust, invite unwarranted international scrutiny, and unfairly tarnish the image of institutions protecting Ghana’s ports of entry.

“The scanners are the first line of defense against illegal cargo. Suggesting they are all non-functional is not only incorrect but dangerous,” the statement said.

It also cautioned that if the scanners were truly non-operational, it would have caused significant disruptions including delays, increased demurrage costs, and potential losses to importers and exporters—none of which have been reported.

Call for Media Retraction and Public Accountability

Ghana Link is calling on all media houses that published the misleading reports to issue immediate retractions and provide accurate updates to the public.

“We welcome scrutiny and engagement, but that must be based on facts, not speculation,” said Norvan Acquah-Hayford, Head of Public Relations at Ghana Link. “Public confidence in our systems is critical and must be protected through truth and responsible journalism.”