Customs seizes smuggled wax prints and motorbikes hidden under okro powder at Techiman

Officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have intercepted 97 bales of imitation wax prints and 10 unpacked Yamaha Aerox motorbikes concealed in a Burkina Faso-registered cargo truck at the Techiman checkpoint, according to a GRA statement on Friday 13 November 2026.

According to the statement, the DAF XF truck was stopped on Thursday 5 November 2026. During a search, officers found textile bales hidden beneath dry okro powder and empty glass bottles. The vehicle was escorted to the GRA's Sunyani Regional Office for a full examination.

The examination uncovered 97 bales of imitation wax prints, totalling 58,200 yards of fabric, and 10 new 155cc Yamaha Aerox motorbikes. Customs described the goods as uncustomed, meaning required import duties and clearance procedures had not been completed.

The estimated duty on the textile consignment alone is GH¢465,186.90, based on a free-on-board value of US$52,962 plus freight, insurance, duties, VAT and other levies.

Notices of seizure issued on 11 November 2026 under the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) describe the goods as liable to forfeiture. Anyone wishing to contest the forfeiture has one calendar month to submit a written claim; otherwise the goods may be treated as lawfully forfeited and disposed of as the Commissioner directs.

The goods have been deposited at the Sunyani Regional Office state warehouse pending further action. The statement as reported did not mention any arrests or criminal charges, and Ghana Crimes is not naming the people identified on the seizure notices.