Customs officers at the Golden Jubilee Terminal of the Tema Port have intercepted three firearms and 610 rounds of ammunition concealed among personal effects in a consignment from the United States.
The seizure was disclosed by the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Florence Asante, according to a report by Graphic Online.
The items intercepted include an assault rifle, two pistols, 610 rounds of ammunition and related accessories.
The consignment was allegedly being brought into Ghana without the required declaration or permits.
According to Asante, the discovery was made at about 5:15 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, when two Customs officers conducting a routine inspection subjected the consignment to further examination.
The subsequent inspection revealed that the firearms, ammunition and accessories had been concealed among goods declared as personal effects.
Speaking to the press on Monday, September 28, Asante said the interception formed part of intensified scanning and physical inspections of consignments at Ghana’s ports of entry and exit.
She said the exercise was aimed at detecting and preventing the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted items into the country.
Following the discovery, the seized firearms and ammunition were handed over to the Police for further investigation and appropriate action.
Asante also cautioned importers, particularly those who accept consignments on behalf of other people, to establish exactly what is contained in the goods before bringing them into Ghana.
She urged importers dealing in restricted items to obtain the appropriate licences and permits and ensure that all such goods are properly declared to Customs.
“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.
The GRA official further advised importers to exercise due diligence when accepting goods from third parties, warning that they could face legal consequences if restricted items are found in their consignments.
She noted that claiming ignorance of the contents of a consignment may not necessarily exempt an importer from liability for breaches of the law.
According to Asante, Ghana’s customs regulations classify arms and ammunition as restricted goods, meaning importers require a permit from the Ministry of the Interior before bringing them into the country.
She added that under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended, firearms and ammunition cannot be imported or exported without the requisite prior authorisation.
The latest interception highlights the continued checks being carried out at Ghana’s ports to prevent restricted items from entering the country without the necessary approvals.
