The Ghana Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has made a significant seizure at the Golden Jubilee Terminal of the Tema Port, intercepting an assault rifle, two pistols, and 610 rounds of ammunition. The items were concealed among personal effects arriving from the United States of America and had not been declared to Customs. The discovery was made on September 25, 2026, during an intensified examination of goods entering Ghana.
The seizure was made by two Customs officers conducting a routine inspection, who subjected the consignment to further examination. The firearms, ammunition, and other related accessories were being brought into the country as personal effects, sparking concerns over the movement of restricted items through Ghana's ports. The GRA has stepped up scanning and physical examination of consignments to detect illegal imports.
The Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the GRA, Florence Asante, addressed the press on September 28, 2026, stating that the interception formed part of intensified examination and scanning of goods at the country's ports of entry and exit. The goal is to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted items. The seized items have since been handed over to the Police for further action.
According to Ms Asante, the firearms and ammunition were not declared by the importer as part of the contents of the consignment and were only uncovered after a more thorough examination. The GRA emphasized the importance of importers complying with the laws governing restricted and prohibited goods. Importers are urged to obtain the appropriate licences and permits and make full and accurate declarations to Customs.
Ms Asante cautioned importers who accept goods on behalf of other persons to first establish exactly what they are bringing into the country. She urged importers to ensure that restricted goods have the required permits and are properly declared to Customs. Importers are also advised to exercise due diligence when accepting consignments from third parties.
The country's customs regime specifically classifies arms and ammunition as restricted goods, with a permit required from the Ministry of the Interior for their importation. The Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended, provides that firearms and ammunition cannot be imported or exported without prior authorisation. The GRA stressed that ignorance of the contents of a consignment would not shield importers from possible breaches of the law.
The seizure at the Tema Port highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring the movement of restricted items through Ghana's ports. The GRA has assured the public that it will continue to intensify examination and scanning of goods to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted items. Importers are urged to comply with the laws and regulations governing the importation of restricted goods.
Key points
- The Ghana Customs Division intercepted an assault rifle, two pistols, and 610 rounds of ammunition at the Tema Port, highlighting concerns over restricted items.
- The seized items were concealed among personal effects arriving from the United States of America and had not been declared to Customs.
- The GRA has stepped up scanning and physical examination of consignments to detect illegal imports, emphasizing the importance of importers complying with the laws governing restricted and prohibited goods.
