Customs officials at Tema Port seized an assault rifle, two pistols, and 610 rounds of ammunition hidden among personal effects arriving from the United States. The weapons and ammunition were undeclared, and the seizure happened on the afternoon of Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Terminal.
Two Customs officers were carrying out a routine inspection when they decided to examine the consignment further. That move uncovered the firearms and related accessories, which had not been listed in the importer’s declaration. The items have since been handed over to the Police for investigation.
Florence Asante, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), said the interception came as part of intensified scanning and physical checks of goods entering and leaving the country. She spoke to the press on Monday, September 28.
“The exercise is aimed at detecting illegal imports, particularly prohibited and restricted items,” Ms Asante said. She explained that the firearms and ammunition were discovered only after the consignment underwent detailed examination, since the importer had not declared them.
Ms Asante urged importers to follow the laws governing restricted and prohibited goods. She said they must obtain the necessary licences and permits before bringing such items into Ghana.
She also warned people who accept consignments on behalf of others to verify exactly what they are receiving. “Make sure that you have a licence to import those items and make sure you declare them correctly so that you will not fall foul of the law,” she said.
Ghana’s customs regime classifies arms and ammunition as restricted goods. Importers need approval from the Ministry of the Interior before bringing such items into the country. The Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended, requires prior authorisation for the import or export of firearms and ammunition.
Ms Asante cautioned that simply claiming ignorance of a consignment’s contents may not exempt an importer from legal consequences. She stressed the importance of due diligence when accepting goods from third parties to avoid involvement in illegal importation.
The seizure at Tema Port comes amid increased scrutiny of restricted items passing through Ghana’s ports. Customs has stepped up scanning and physical checks as part of efforts to stop illegal trade in prohibited goods.
This latest interception adds to the growing list of efforts by Ghana Revenue Authority to enforce import regulations more strictly and prevent dangerous items from entering the country unnoticed.
According to Joy Online.
