The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority seized a consignment of fifty-three unlicensed pistols and several rounds of ammunition at the Tema Port on November 4 2024. According to a Ghana News Agency report the discovery occurred during a routine examination of a container that arrived from the United States of America. Officials discovered the weapons concealed inside a large suitcase alongside other personal effects.
Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo the Commissioner of Customs confirmed the seizure during a media briefing at the Golden Jubilee Terminal. He stated that the shipment also included sixty-five boxes of ammunition and several magazines. The Commissioner noted that the firearms were not declared on the shipping manifesto which triggered immediate suspicion and detailed inspection by the port authorities.
A Citi Newsroom report indicated that a suspect believed to be the clearing agent has been detained in connection with the illegal importation. The Ghana Revenue Authority has officially handed over the seized firearms and the suspect to the National Intelligence Bureau and the Ghana Police Service for forensic examination and expanded investigations into the intended destination of the cargo.
The Ghana Police Service released a statement confirming that they are working with the Customs Division to identify all individuals involved in the smuggling operation. The police clarified that the firearms were semi-automatic pistols and that the investigation will determine if there are links to any organized crime syndicates. Authorities have not yet released the name of the importer or the specific charges being filed.