The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted an assault rifle, two pistols and 610 rounds of ammunition allegedly being smuggled into Ghana through the Golden Jubilee Terminal at the Tema Port.
The firearms and ammunition were discovered concealed among personal effects arriving from the United States of America (USA). The items had reportedly not been declared to Customs and were imported under the description of personal belongings.
The seizure occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, during an intensified inspection of consignments entering the country.
Two Customs officers conducting a routine examination subjected the consignment to further checks, leading to the discovery of the three firearms, 610 rounds of ammunition and related accessories.
GRA Intensifies Checks at Ghana Ports
The latest seizure has drawn renewed attention to the movement of restricted and prohibited goods through Ghana’s ports.
The Ghana Revenue Authority said the Customs Division has intensified its scanning and physical examination of imported consignments as part of efforts to prevent the illegal importation of firearms, ammunition and other restricted items.
Speaking to the media on Monday, September 28, the Deputy Commissioner responsible for Communications and Public Affairs at the GRA, Florence Asante, said the interception was part of enhanced measures being implemented at Ghana’s ports of entry and exit.
According to her, the firearms and ammunition were not included in the importer’s declaration and were only discovered after Customs officers conducted a more thorough examination of the consignment.
The seized firearms and ammunition have since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and appropriate action.
Customs Warns Importers Over Restricted Goods
Florence Asante stressed the need for importers to comply with Ghana’s laws governing restricted and prohibited goods.
She urged individuals importing controlled items to obtain the necessary licences and permits and ensure that all goods are accurately and fully declared to Customs.
The GRA official also cautioned people who accept consignments on behalf of third parties to establish the exact contents of packages before bringing them into Ghana.
She advised importers to exercise due diligence when receiving goods from other individuals to avoid unknowingly becoming involved in the illegal importation of restricted items.
Importers, she said, must ensure that restricted goods have the appropriate permits and are properly declared to the Ghana Customs authorities.
Firearms and Ammunition Require Prior Authorisation
The GRA explained that arms and ammunition are classified as restricted goods under Ghana’s customs regime. Importation of such items requires the appropriate permit from the Ministry of the Interior.
The Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended, also requires firearms and ammunition to receive the necessary prior authorisation before they can legally be imported or exported.
The Tema Port seizure highlights the importance of strict customs inspection, import compliance and border security measures in preventing the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition into Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com