About 560 Chanfang diesel engines have been intercepted and seized by officers of the Preventive Unit of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The engines were intercepted at the Golden Jubilee Terminal at Tema Port in what authorities suspect to be equipment intended for illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
This is the second time in two days that Chanfang machines have been intercepted at the port. The first was on March 3, when about 1,070 pieces of Chanfang machines were concealed in separate containers at the Tema Port by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Officials from the GRA noted that 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 GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, commended the officers involved for their integrity and commitment to protecting the national interest.
“Some good behaviour like this from my officers is rewarding and must be recognised by Ghanaians. They chose national interest and preventive duty ahead of personal gains,” 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 investigate the importer and the agents involved. Ghana’s ports will not be used as a gateway for equipment that fuels environmental destruction,” he said.
Authorities said the interception formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt supply chains that support illegal mining, which continues to threaten the country’s rivers, forests and ecological stability.
Customs officials at Tema Port have intensified cargo screening as government agencies step up efforts to combat galamsey logistics networks operating through the country’s ports.
Citinewsroom.com
