9 Billion Customs Scanner Crashes

Accra - 41 days after the ?9 billion cedi Customs Mobile Container X-Ray Scanner was commissioned, the machine which is said to be the only in the world, has crashed. It happened last Sunday, July 27 (at 1415hrs GMT) as two experts, Messrs Dieu Jean and Larne were working on it.

A credible source at the Tema Harbour told The Dispatch that as the two men were working on it, the entire scanner attached to a long arm of the mobile van fell and crashed to the ground. The two experts rushed to the scene and reportedly folded their arms over their heads to indicate their shock at the incident.

Even before the crash, the US$1.45 million Heimann Cargo Vision, operated by the Gateway Services Limited (GSL) had been giving the authorities problems, working for not more than 45 minutes and being shut down to allow it to cool. The machine could scan through containers without the goods being removed.

The Dispatch had hints that the British Customs Commissioner in charge of smuggling came to Ghana about a week ago to have a close look at the scanner's operational capabilities.

Officials of the Ministry of Trade and G.S.L. were tight-lipped when reached for comment. Dispatch investigations continue.