Sierra Leone Customs Service is set to Kickstart a mobile scanning machine through the Integrated Trade Service(I.T.S), that is charged with the responsibility to valuate goods at the Gbalamuya border point, Kambia district.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Edward Hinga Sandy, lauded Gbalamuya Customs staffs, saying they have been doing a tremendous job, and this scanner will easily facilitate goods clearance at the border. In his words, “I am very passionate about this scanner and I know that pretty soon, we will have our scanner in full operations.” he added that, the mobile scanning machine will facilitate trade and enhance security through easier detection of prohibited imports.

According to a statement by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Haja Isata Abdulai-Kamara, described the scanner as a positive milestone in the service efforts to modernise Customs operations, through the I.T.S achieve ease of doing business.

Madam Haja also described the tortuous processes involved in physical examination as time consuming, which may not be perfect compare to using this scanner. According to her, the Command, which to her was not able to examine more than 100 goods loaded vehicles daily, but will now, be able to examine close to 200 daily using the new scanning machine.

The Head of Civil Society Kambia district, Mr. Gibril Gotor, lauded the Customs Service, saying that this development will reduce corruption, save importers a lot of cost, and facilitate goods clearance in time.