Staff of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission stationed at Kotoka International Airport have intercepted a large consignment of dried shark fins at the Swissport Cargo Centre.
The seizure involved 3,967 dried shark fins weighing about 488 kilograms, packed into 14 jute bags commonly referred to as “Ghana Must Go” bags.
Authorities have estimated the consignment’s street value at between 300,000 and 400,000 US dollars, with Mauritania identified as the intended final destination.
Reports indicate that officials were alerted by the Veterinary Services Directorate at the airport after the cargo was declared as dried fish.
A physical inspection, however, revealed that the contents were dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration submitted.
Further checks showed that the consignment lacked the required export permit and accompanying documentation, in violation of Section 22(2)(a) of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), which regulates the export, re-export, and import of wildlife and wildlife products.
Species identification confirmed that the fins were harvested from blue sharks (Prionace glauca), common threshers (Alopias vulpinus), silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran).
These species, including their parts and derivatives, are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), requiring an export permit to ensure that trade is legal, regulated, and does not threaten their survival.
The Forestry Commission has taken custody of the seized items, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.
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