Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, operators of the Integrated Customs Management Systems (ICUMS) has rejected media reports suggesting that scanners at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Cargo Village are broken down, hence Ghana is currently relying solely on sniffer dogs to intercept narcotics and contraband.

According to the company, the reports are false and misleading, intended to damage Ghana’s integrity in stopping narcotics and contraband from leaving and entering the country.

“We categorically refute this claim as entirely false, misleading, and damaging to the integrity of Ghana’s border security systems and the companies entrusted with safeguarding these critical national assets”, a statement issued by the company on July 14, 2025 said.

It clarified that there are currently up to five fully functional and operational scanners deployed at Kotoka International Airport Cargo Village belonging to Ghana Link Network Services Ltd.

Details of the scanners below

1.       Smiths Heimann 180180 2is PRO – Swissport

2.       Smiths Heimann 180180 2is – AGCPC (Air Ghana Cargo Processing Centre)

3.       Smiths Heimann 180180 2is PRO – Aviance

4.       Smiths Heimann 180180 2is – Aviance

Ghana Link explained that all four export scanners are manufactured by Smiths Heimann, in France, a globally recognised leader in airport security technology, and are operating at optimal efficiency.

It added that the company has Rapiscan Eagle A25 located at KIA Cargo Import Section manufactured by Rapiscan Systems, which is a combination of Rapiscan and AS&E all from the United States -- only three in Africa.

“This high-performance scanner continues to support the detection of inbound contraband, including narcotics, ammunition, and other prohibited items. All our scanners at Kotoka International Airport Cargo Village are fully functional and operational”.

The statement pointed out that the standard procedure for cargo handling is that all goods arriving by air cargo are moved from the tarmac directly to the scanning machines, where they undergo mandatory scanning before being released to Customs.

“All goods to be exported out of the country, also arriving at the cargo village, undergo mandatory customs examination and documentation before they undergo scanning after which goods are released to the high security biometric warehouse, and later transferred to be emplaned”.

It stated that occasionally, and at the discretion of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), sniffer dogs are deployed as an additional layer of scrutiny, sometimes before goods are scanned, based on specific intelligence leads.

The company said in the recent case being discussed, it is the understanding that NACOC had credible intel and, therefore, deployed dogs to where suspicious items were flagged even before the goods could be brought for scanning.

“We are deeply alarmed by the inaccurate and unverified information. The assertion that “all scanners are broken down” is not only incorrect but also risks: Undermining public trust in our port and border security systems. Attracting unwarranted scrutiny from international aviation, trade, and security stakeholders. Damaging the reputation of companies that undertake Scan and have consistently invested in, supported, and enhanced the integrity of these systems at the Airport”.

“Ghana Link Network Services Ltd remains committed to partnering with the State and its security institutions to enhance Ghana’s border integrity. But this commitment must be reciprocated with truth, accountability, and collaboration, not public misrepresentation”, the statement said.