Officers from the Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division have intercepted 560 CHANG FANG diesel engines at the Golden Jubilee Terminal, Tema Port, in what authorities believe was an attempt to import equipment for illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) operations.
The seizure occurred during a routine cargo inspection after vigilant customs officers flagged the shipment for further scrutiny.
According to GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the powerful diesel engines, typically used to operate water pumps and dredging machines at illicit mining sites, were concealed within a container shipment suspected to be destined for unlawful mining activities in various parts of the country.
The Commissioner-General praised the officers involved, commending their integrity and commitment to safeguarding national interests.
“Acts like this by our officers are commendable and deserve recognition. They prioritized national interest and preventive duty over personal gain,” he said.
He added that a full investigation has been launched to identify the importer, clearing agents, and the intended destination of the engines.
“We will thoroughly investigate the importer and agents involved. Ghana’s ports will not be used as a gateway for equipment that contributes to environmental destruction,” Sarpong stated.
The interception is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chains supporting illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s rivers, forests, and ecological balance. Customs officials at Tema have intensified cargo inspections as government agencies step up the fight against galamsey logistics networks operating through the country’s ports.
