Customs intercepts 560 diesel engines at Tema Port suspected for illegal mining

Officers of the Preventive Unit of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have intercepted and seized 560 units of CHANG FANG diesel engines at the Golden Jubilee Terminal at Tema Port, in what authorities suspect to be equipment intended for illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The seizure was made during a routine cargo inspection after vigilant customs officers flagged the consignment for further examination.

Officials said the engines—powerful industrial diesel units often used to power water pumps and dredging equipment at illegal mining sites—were concealed in a container shipment believed to be destined for unlawful mining operations in parts of the country.

The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, commended the officers involved for what he described as their integrity and commitment to protecting the national interest.

“Such conduct by my officers is commendable and should be recognised by Ghanaians. They chose national interest and preventive duty ahead of personal gain,” he said.

Mr Sarpong indicated that a full investigation has been launched to identify the importer, the clearing agents involved, and the intended destination of the engines.

“We will investigate the importer and the agents involved. Ghana’s ports will not be used as a gateway for equipment that fuels environmental destruction,” he added.

Authorities say the interception forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on supply chains that support illegal mining, which continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s rivers, forests and ecological stability.

Customs officials at Tema Port say cargo screening measures have been intensified as government agencies step up efforts to dismantle logistics networks that facilitate illegal mining through the country’s ports.