GRA CUSTOMS INTERCEPTS 560 DIESEL ENGINES AT TEMA PORT LINKED TO SUSPECTED GALAMSEY OPERATIONS
Ghana Revenue Authority officials seize CHANG FANG engines during cargo inspection at Tema Port as Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong orders investigation into importer and clearing agents.
Officers from the preventive unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division’s Preventive Unit intercepted and confiscated 560 units of CHANG FANG diesel engines at the Golden Jubilee Terminal in Tema Port. Authorities suspect these engines are intended for illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey.
The seizure occurred during a routine cargo inspection when vigilant customs officers flagged the shipment for further examination.
Officials explained that the engines, a type of powerful industrial diesel used to run water pumps and dredging equipment at illegal mining sites, were hidden within a container believed to be headed for unlawful mining operations throughout the country.
GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong praised the officers for their integrity and dedication in safeguarding the nation.
“This exemplary conduct from my officers deserves recognition from Ghanaians. They prioritized national interest and prevention over personal gain,” he said.
He added that an investigation has been initiated to identify the importer, the clearing agents, and the engines’ intended destination.
“We will scrutinize the importer and agents involved. Ghana’s ports will not serve as gateways for equipment that harms the environment,” the Commissioner-General stated.
Authorities emphasized that this seizure is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt supply chains supporting illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s rivers, forests, and ecological balance.
Customs officials at Tema Port have intensified cargo screening measures as part of the government’s broader campaign against galamsey logistics networks operating within the country’s ports.
