In a significant operation, officials from the Preventive Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division successfully intercepted 560 Changfang diesel engines at the Golden Jubilee Terminal in Tema Port. The authorities suspect these engines were intended for use in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The discovery was made during a standard cargo inspection when observant customs officers flagged the shipment for further examination.
According to officials, the powerful diesel engines are typically utilized to operate water pumps and dredging equipment at illegal mining sites. They were concealed in a container shipment thought to be destined for unlawful mining activities in various regions of the country.
Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, praised the officers for their diligence in protecting the nation’s interests. He stated, “The exemplary actions of my officers deserve recognition. They prioritized national welfare and preventive duty over personal benefits.”
A thorough investigation is now underway to ascertain the identities of the importer, the clearing agents involved, and the intended recipients of the engines. “We are committed to identifying all parties involved. Ghana’s ports will not serve as gateways for equipment that contributes to environmental degradation,” added the Commissioner-General.
This interception aligns with ongoing efforts by the government to disrupt supply chains that support illegal mining, which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s rivers, forests, and ecological stability. Customs officials at Tema Port have ramped up cargo inspections as part of a broader initiative to combat galamsey logistics networks exploiting the country’s ports.
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