Customs Intercepts Assault Rifle, Two Pistols and 610 Rounds of Ammunition at Tema Port

Ghanaian Customs officials have intercepted an assault rifle, two pistols and 610 rounds of ammunition concealed in a consignment of personal effects arriving from the United States at the Tema Port.

The seizure was made at the Golden Jubilee Terminal at about 5:15 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, during an intensified examination of imported goods.

According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), two Customs officers conducting a routine inspection subjected the consignment to further examination, leading to the discovery of the firearms, ammunition and related accessories.

The items had not been declared to Customs and were reportedly concealed among personal belongings in the shipment.

Firearms handed over to Police

The Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the GRA, Florence Asante, said the seized firearms and ammunition have since been handed over to the Police for further action.

She explained that the interception forms part of intensified scanning and physical examination of consignments entering and leaving Ghana.

According to the GRA, the enhanced checks are aimed at preventing the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted goods through the country’s ports.

GRA warns importers

The development has prompted the GRA to caution importers and people who accept consignments on behalf of others to establish exactly what the packages contain before bringing them into Ghana.

Ms Asante urged importers to obtain the necessary licences and permits for restricted goods and ensure that all items are accurately declared to Customs.

She also warned that claiming ignorance of the contents of a consignment may not necessarily protect an importer from potential breaches of the law.

The GRA said importers should exercise due diligence when accepting packages from third parties to avoid becoming inadvertently involved in the illegal importation of restricted items.

Arms and ammunition require permits

GRA’s published Customs guidance classifies arms and ammunition as restricted goods. The authority states that such items require special permits before they can be imported into Ghana.

GRA also states that passengers are required to declare arms and ammunition to Customs. Its guidance specifically excludes arms and ammunition from ordinary removal articles that may be imported as personal effects.

The Customs regime requires importers to have the necessary documentation and permits from relevant regulatory authorities before restricted goods can be cleared.

Customs steps up port inspections

The latest interception highlights the role of Customs in monitoring Ghana’s ports and preventing the movement of restricted goods into the country.

The GRA Customs Division describes itself as part of Ghana’s national security architecture, with operations at ports, airports, land borders and other points of entry and exit. Its responsibilities include border protection, revenue mobilisation and facilitating legitimate trade.

The Tema Port seizure is therefore expected to reinforce calls for importers to comply fully with Ghana’s customs requirements when bringing goods into the country.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the importer or indicated whether any arrests have been made in connection with the seizure.

The Police are expected to take the matter forward as investigations continue.

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