Accra: Ghana has resorted to using sniffer dogs at its airports and key entry points for narcotics detection due to malfunctioning body and baggage scanners. Alhaji Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Minister of the Interior, announced this interim measure, explaining that the current scanners are beyond repair.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ministry has allocated funds to acquire new, advanced body and baggage scanners. These new scanners are expected to offer more sophisticated technology, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution compared to repairing the existing equipment. This decision followed a cost-benefit analysis and technical challenges associated with the malfunctioning scanners.
The Interior Minister shared these details during a parliamentary session in response to an urgent query by John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South. The query addressed the measures being undertaken to address the technical shortcomings at the nation's airports and other crucial entry points.
Alhaji Muntaka further elaborated that sniffer dogs, trained to detect substances such as explosives and illegal drugs, have been deployed at these locations. Upon detection of any suspected illegal substances by the dogs, the authorities ensure that samples are sent to certified laboratories for verification.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned ongoing efforts to secure both local and international donor support to expedite the procurement of these scanners. He emphasized the importance of these devices in the operations of the National Narcotic Controls Commission and expressed a commitment to fast-tracking their acquisition.
Security experts have raised concerns that the absence of functional detective scanners at Ghana's airports could increase the country's vulnerability to becoming a transit point for illegal drugs, gold smuggling, and other illicit trades.
