Forestry Commission seizes 3,967 dried shark fins at Kotoka Airport

The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission (FC) has intercepted 3,967 dried shark fins at the Swissport Cargo Centre at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The consignment, weighing about 488 kilogrammes, was concealed in 14 wrapped jute bags commonly referred to as “Ghana Must Go” bags and is estimated to have a street value of between US$300,000 and US$400,000.

Mauritania was listed as the final destination of the shipment.

According to the Forestry Commission, officials were tipped off by the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA after the items were initially declared as dried fish.

However, a physical inspection revealed that the cargo contained dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration.

Investigations further showed that the consignment lacked the requisite export permit and accompanying documentation, in breach of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115).

Section 22(2)(a) of the Act requires a permit for the export, re-export or importation of wildlife and wildlife products.

The seized fins were identified as belonging to several shark species, including the Blue shark (Prionace glauca), Common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) and Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran).

These species and their derivatives are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which mandates export permits to ensure that international trade is legal, sustainable and does not threaten the survival of the species.

The Forestry Commission said the seized items are currently in its custody, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations and possible prosecution.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith