The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted three undeclared guns, including an assault rifle and two pistols, along with 610 rounds of ammunition at the Tema Port. The consignment, which arrived from the United States, was examined at the Golden Jubilee Terminal on Friday, September 25, 2026, at about 5:15 p.m. The discovery was made during a routine inspection by two Customs officers, who ordered a further examination.
According to the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the GRA, Florence Asante, the firearms and ammunition had not been declared to Customs. The seized items have been handed over to the Police for further action. The GRA is intensifying scanning and physical examination of goods at the country's ports of entry and exit to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted items.
The GRA has warned importers to be diligent when accepting items from third parties and to ensure that they have the necessary permits and licenses to import restricted goods. In Ghana, arms and ammunition are classified as restricted goods, and importers need a permit from the Ministry of the Interior to bring them in. The Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended, prohibits the importation or exportation of firearms and ammunition without prior authorization.
Florence Asante cautioned importers who receive goods on behalf of other people to find out what the consignment contains first. She stressed that not knowing what a consignment contains would not necessarily protect an importer from breaching the law. The GRA is urging importers to be aware of the contents of their consignments and to declare them correctly to avoid falling foul of the law.
The interception of the undeclared guns and ammunition at the Tema Port is part of the GRA's efforts to prevent the smuggling of prohibited items into the country. The GRA is working closely with other agencies, including the Police, to ensure that the country's borders are secure. The public is being reminded to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The GRA has emphasized the importance of compliance with customs regulations and the need for importers to be aware of the laws and regulations governing the importation of goods into Ghana. The authority is committed to ensuring that the country's ports are used for legitimate trade and that the safety and security of the public are protected.
The case has been referred to the Police for further investigation and action. The GRA will continue to work with other agencies to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited items and to ensure that importers comply with customs regulations. The public is being urged to support the GRA's efforts to secure the country's borders and prevent the smuggling of prohibited items.
Key points
- The Ghana Revenue Authority intercepted three undeclared guns and 610 rounds of ammunition hidden in personal effects from the US at the Tema Port.
- The GRA is intensifying scanning and physical examination of goods at the country's ports to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted items.
- Importers are being warned to be diligent when accepting items from third parties and to ensure that they have the necessary permits and licenses to import restricted goods.
