Ghana Link Network Services Ltd has obtained ISO 27001 certification for its new data centre and key operational processes, a move expected to strengthen data security and improve operational efficiency at Ghana’s ports.
The certification, awarded under the 2022 version of the international standard for information security management systems, follows an independent audit of the company’s infrastructure, governance structures and risk management controls.
Company officials said the milestone will reinforce trust and reliability in digital systems that underpin cargo clearance, customs processing and revenue mobilisation at the country’s main ports.
“Today is not just a certification moment, it is a trust moment,” a company representative said at a ceremony in Accra. “Performance in an environment like ours cannot depend on effort alone. It must be built on standards, clear controls, repeatable processes and measurable accountability.”
ISO 27001 is widely regarded as the global benchmark for managing information security risks. Certification indicates that an organisation has established, implemented and maintained a systematic framework for protecting sensitive data, including structured risk assessments, documented controls and continuous monitoring.
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Ghana Link operates the Integrated Customs Management System (ICOMS), a platform that facilitates trade documentation and customs-related processes at Ghana’s ports. The system serves stakeholders including the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), freight forwarders, importers, exporters, shipping lines and airlines.
Officials said stronger information security and business continuity measures are expected to minimise system disruptions, reduce the risk of data breaches and enhance the speed and predictability of cargo processing.
“With secure and resilient systems, we are able to guarantee stability for Ghana’s digital trade ecosystem,” the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Ansah, said.
He said the certification followed the construction of a tier-four data centre designed for full fault tolerance and business continuity, eliminating single points of failure that could disrupt port operations.
“We engineered the facility to ensure operational stability and near-zero downtime for critical systems,” he said, adding that the migration of key platforms to the new data centre was completed without service interruption.
Industry observers say that at ports, where clearance delays can increase costs for importers and exporters, improved system resilience can translate into faster cargo processing and reduced bottlenecks.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr Ansah said the ISO process required embedding structured risk management practices, strengthening asset governance and integrating business continuity planning into daily operations.
“We subjected ourselves to independent external audits. Passing that audit affirms that we operate at globally recognised standards of security and accountability,” he said.
The certification was issued by City Trust, an accredited certification body. A lead auditor said compliance with ISO 27001 demands leadership commitment and a strong security culture across the organisation.
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“The journey toward ISO 27001 is not a simple administrative exercise,” he said. “It requires strategic direction, structured risk assessment, documented controls, staff awareness and operational consistency.”
He added that the audit demonstrated Ghana Link’s information security management system had been effectively established, implemented and maintained in line with ISO 27001:2022 requirements.
However, he cautioned that certification is not a one-time achievement.
“Cyber risks are dynamic. The true value of certification lies in daily discipline, risk-based thinking and continual improvement,” he said.
A representative of the certification body said ISO adoption is voluntary and reflects a deliberate decision by organisations to subject their systems to independent scrutiny.
Company executives said they plan to build on the certification by continuously upgrading controls to match evolving technological threats, positioning Ghana Link as a secure and reliable gateway for Ghana’s international trade.
