Staff of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have seized a large consignment of dried shark fins at the Swissport Cargo Centre, in a major crackdown on the illegal export of endangered wildlife products.
The seizure involved 3,967 dried shark fins weighing a total of 488 kilogrammes, packed in 14 wrapped jute bags popularly known as “Ghana Must Go” bags.
The consignment is believed to have a street value ranging between $300,000 and $400,000, with Mauritania identified as its final destination.
According to the Forestry Commission, the operation was triggered by a tip-off from the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA.
The items had initially been declared as dried fish, but a physical inspection revealed that the shipment contained dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration provided by the exporters.
Investigations further revealed that the consignment did not have the required export permit or accompanying documentation authorising the export of wildlife products.
This contravenes the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), specifically Section 22(2)(a), which stipulates that a permit is required to export, re-export, or import wildlife and wildlife products.
Officials said the absence of valid documentation rendered the shipment illegal, prompting its immediate seizure.
Preliminary identification confirmed that the seized fins were harvested from several shark species, including Prionace glauca (Blue shark), Alopias vulpinus (Common thresher), Carcharhinus falciformis (Silky shark), and Sphyrna mokarran (Hammerhead shark).
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).
Under CITES regulations, an export permit is mandatory to ensure that international trade is legal, sustainable, and does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.
The Forestry Commission confirmed that the seized consignment is currently being held by the Commission, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution.
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by wildlife authorities to combat illegal wildlife trade through Ghana’s ports of entry and reinforces the country’s obligations under both national legislation and international conservation agreements.
