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The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a gold refining agreement with Gold Coast Refinery, paving the way for large-scale local gold refining to commence from February 1, 2026. The agreement marks a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to add value to its gold resources locally and strengthen responsible sourcing and sustainability within the sector. Under the partnership, Gold Coast Refinery will refine gold to internationally accepted export standards, with the facility capable of producing gold at three nines, four nines, and up to five nines purity. The refinery meets a minimum purity threshold of 89.5%. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, described the initiative as leadership by example. He disclosed that GoldBod will begin by refining one metric ton of gold every week from February 1, 2026, with plans to scale up production. “We own, we control, and we want to expand,” Mr. Gyamfi stated. A key feature of the agreement is a new hallmarking system. Every ounce of gold refined and exported under the arrangement will carry a hallmark bearing the emblems of the Gold Coast Refinery, Ghana Gold Board, Ghana Standards Authority, and the Bank of Ghana, reinforcing traceability and quality assurance. The Republic of Ghana holds a 15 percent free-carried interest in the Gold Coast Refinery, which is managed by GoldBod, further deepening state participation in the value chain. Executive Director, Gold Coast Refinery Ltd, Ehab Deraz, described the partnership as a significant milestone for Ghana’s economic transformation. Quoting President John Dramani Mahama’s statement that “the wallet is changing, and Africa is rising,” Dr. Deraz said the agreement reflects Ghana’s steady progress toward economic independence. Guided by this vision and national initiatives such as the 24-hour economy framework, he noted that Ghana is positioning itself as a confident and competitive nation. “Our goal was to build a world-class gold refinery in Accra, and we are proud to say we have achieved that,” he said. Completed in 2016, Gold Coast Refinery meets international standards and has the capacity to process up to 100 metric tons of gold annually at high purity levels. The facility holds all required licenses, Responsible Gold Certification (RGC), and ISO certifications, and is currently pursuing accreditation from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). The refinery offers services including assaying, refining, casting, and ethical gold sourcing. Dr. Deraz also announced a strategic partnership with RAN Refinery of South Africa—the country’s only LBMA-accredited refinery—and welcomed their technical team as part of efforts to enhance operational excellence. The gold refining agreement between GoldBod and Gold Coast Refinery is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s gold value chain, reduce reliance on foreign refining, and enhance the country’s standing in the global precious metals market. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Rev. Stephen Wengam, has described the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, as one of the best Interior Ministers Ghana has ever had, praising his leadership and commitment to strengthening migration governance and border security. Rev. Wengam made these remarks during a courtesy call by members of the GIS Governing Council on the Minister at his office in Accra. He commended Hon. Muntaka for his dedication to building resilience within the Service and for ensuring transparency and fairness in the ongoing recruitment process. According to the Council Chair, the Minister’s support has been evident in the provision of critical logistics, including 20 pickup vehicles to enhance the operational capacity of the Service, a move he said underscores government’s commitment to improving the effectiveness of GIS. Rev. Wengam also announced that, in response to the Minister’s call for innovative and creative approaches to supporting the Council’s work, plans are underway to roll out a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative known as the Secure Our Borders (SECOBOD) project. The initiative is aimed at mobilising private sector support to help address key operational and security challenges confronting the Ghana Immigration Service. The Council Chair further highlighted a number of critical issues requiring urgent attention. These include concerns over promotions, the need for stronger institutional support to combat indiscipline and corruption, improvements in infrastructure, shortages of operational vehicles, the modernisation of border security systems, and the enhancement of officer welfare. In his response, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak expressed appreciation to the Council for its dedication and constructive engagement, assuring members of his unwavering support. He urged officers of the Ghana Immigration Service to remain professional and patriotic, stressing the need to always put the interest of the nation first. The Interior Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to the vision of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to reset, retool and reform the Ghana Immigration Service. He noted that the Council’s proposals and initiatives align with key government priorities, including plans to construct seven new regional offices as part of the President’s broader agenda to retool security services across the country. Highlighting the strategic importance of immigration officers, Hon. Muntaka described them as the first point of contact at Ghana’s borders. He revealed that while the country has 48 legitimate entry routes, there are over 200 illegitimate ones, underscoring the urgent need for a robust and comprehensive border monitoring system. He further emphasised President Mahama’s strong interest in strengthening border surveillance and security infrastructure to safeguard the country and facilitate orderly migration. The visit underscored ongoing efforts by government and the GIS Governing Council to modernise the Service, strengthen border security, and address longstanding operational and welfare challenges facing officers of the Ghana Immigration Service. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has issued a strong warning to members of the public who attempt to bribe police officers, stating that such acts will no longer be tolerated and offenders will be exposed. The IGP gave the warning at a special event where gospel musician Grace Ashly presented an appreciation song to the leadership and personnel of the Ghana Police Service. Addressing officers and invited guests, COP Yohuno emphasized that the culture within the Service is changing, with greater focus now placed on integrity, professionalism, and performance-based promotions. “Anybody who attempts to bribe the policemen will be exposed,” the IGP cautioned, adding that police officers are now committed to doing their work diligently rather than engaging in corrupt practices. He noted that the era where officers waited to be honoured or promoted only after death is over, stressing that deserving officers will now be promoted while they are alive, based on hard work and dedication to duty. He encouraged personnel of the Service to remain focused, disciplined, and professional, assuring them that their efforts would not go unnoticed. The IGP also praised officers for presenting themselves well and urged them to continue striving for excellence in the discharge of their responsibilities. On her part, gospel musician Grace Ashly explained that the song was inspired by a personal experience in which officers of the Ghana Police Service came to her aid during a frightening situation. She recounted how the police response brought her comfort, safety, and reassurance, describing the officers as not only authoritative but also humane and compassionate. She used the occasion to commend the Ghana Police Service for its recent successes in fighting crime across the country, citing operations against armed robbery, human trafficking, narcotics, cybercrime, and weapons trafficking. According to her, these achievements reflect the Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining public safety, and preserving national peace. Grace Ashly described policing as a calling that demands vigilance, sacrifice, and courage, and said the song was meant to encourage officers and show appreciation for their dedication. She also praised the leadership of the IGP and the Police Management Board, calling for continued public support for the Ghana Police Service. The event ended on a note of unity and appreciation, as both speakers reaffirmed the importance of integrity, service, and collaboration in strengthening law enforcement and national security. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse has emphasized the urgent need for collaboration-driven development, warning that failure to act decisively today would deny future generations their voice and opportunities. “If we fail, we have failed generation upon generation and we cannot afford to do that,” the Ga Mantse stated. He made these remarks when the President and Founder of Grow, Unite and Build Africa (GUBA), Lady Dentaa, paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Accra on Thursday. The meeting focused on diaspora engagement, cultural preservation, education, youth development, and sustainable economic growth, with a strong emphasis on partnership rather than charity. According to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ghana’s development must be approached with a long-term vision that prioritizes human capital, especially children and young people. He cautioned that neglecting development today would slow Ghana’s progress and silence future generations across Africa. The Ga Mantse expressed interest in initiatives that strengthen education and creativity, including children’s festivals, school programmes, and the establishment of libraries within communities to promote literacy and learning. Speaking during the courtesy call , President or Founder of Grow, Unite and Build Africa (GUBA), Lady Dentaa outlined her outfit’s mission to reconnect the African diaspora with the continent through development-focused initiatives. She noted that many Africans leave Ghana for Europe and the United States and never return, resulting in a loss of talent and skills. She explained that GUBA has facilitated the relocation of more than 150 people to Ghana, including Ghanaians from diverse ethnic backgrounds—Ga, Ashanti, and Ewe—as well as African Americans and other members of the global African diaspora. Lady Dentaa also highlighted the work of the GUBA Foundation, which supports children living with autism and focuses on health advocacy, education, and youth empowerment. She cited community initiatives such as clean-up exercises in Jamestown carried out in collaboration with the British High Commission, as well as reading clubs for street children behind the Arts Centre in Accra. “I believe development is not about people coming back to help us. It is about collaboration, trade, and sustainable growth,” Lady Dentaa said, adding that GUBA’s current theme is diaspora development rather than volunteerism. Also contributing to the discussion, Naa Korkor Amarteifio, Programmes Director at the Office of the Ga Mantse Palace, welcomed GUBA’s approach to diaspora engagement, particularly in the creative arts sector. She stressed that the Ga State does not seek charity but meaningful collaboration that expands opportunities within local communities. According to her, partnerships with diaspora creatives—including musicians, filmmakers, and artists—can help tell Ghana’s stories authentically while creating economic value. Naa Korkor Amarteifio also proposed commemorative activities to mark 200 years of peaceful coexistence between the Ga and Ashanti people, referencing the historical reconciliation following the Katamanso War. She suggested cultural events, educational programmes, and creative productions as ways to honour the milestone and educate younger generations. Chief of Staff to the Ga Mantse, Naa Yaaley Amoah, commended Lady Dentaa for her long-standing commitment to community development and diaspora relations and expressed appreciation for the engagement. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore practical areas of collaboration, particularly in education, creative arts, diaspora investment, and youth empowerment, aimed at securing Ghana’s development and safeguarding opportunities for generations to come. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to ensure that government youth programmes are inclusive, measurable, and capable of delivering real benefits to all young Ghanaians, particularly those at the margins of society. Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry, the Vice President stressed the need for systematic tracking and evaluation of youth initiatives to determine their impact and guide future expansion. “I’m interested in the young person pushing the wheelbarrow in the market, the one by the roadside with four or five tubes of yarn. How do we factor in their dreams?” she said, emphasising the importance of reaching vulnerable and out-of-school youth who often fall through the cracks. The Ministry has rolled out several flagship initiatives, including the Adwumawura and apprenticeship programmes, aimed at empowering young people nationwide. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the Ministry for its strong commitment to gender inclusion, noting that female participation in the programmes has exceeded the 30 per cent affirmative action benchmark and reached about 50 per cent. “The youth of Ghana are very innovative, and I’m happy you have gone beyond the 30 per cent affirmative action to 50 per cent. That is impressive, and I encourage you to keep it up,” she said. She underscored the need for inter-ministerial collaboration, noting that youth development cuts across education, health, agriculture, industry, and security. “Youth is everywhere. Your work touches almost every sector, and we must collaborate across ministries to ensure national impact,” the Vice President stated. On programme effectiveness, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the role of research and tracking studies in measuring outcomes and sustainability. “When we are able to measure impact, we know how to sustain and expand our programmes. Tracking studies will help us understand whether we are on course and what our interventions are achieving,” she said, adding that researchers could play a key role in this process. She also expressed concern about rising drug misuse among young people and called for early and sustained public education to prevent long-term social harm. “Public education is very important. We need to protect our children early because sometimes, fixing things after the fact becomes impossible,” she noted. Touching on the broader economy, the Vice President encouraged innovation as a means of expanding national wealth rather than merely sharing limited resources. “I want the national pie to grow. When the pie gets bigger, even small percentages become meaningful. Taking care of the people who grow the economy is just as important,” she said. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed her office’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment efforts and urged the Ministry to continue innovating, tracking results, and working collaboratively to ensure youth programmes remain inclusive, impactful, and sustainable. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s economic activity continued its upward trajectory in October 2025, with the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) rising by 3.8 percent year-on-year, according to the Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan. The provisional MIEG index for October 2025 stood at 112.7, up from 108.6 recorded in the same month of 2024. The indicator provides an early snapshot of movements in economic activity ahead of the release of quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. “The October 2025 MIEG points to sustained growth in economic activity, led largely by strong performance in the services sector,” Dr. Alhassan said. Sectoral data show that services remained the main engine of growth, expanding by 5.5 percent over the period. The sector accounted for 74.7 percent of the overall growth, driven mainly by increased activity in Information and Communication, as well as Trade. Industry also recorded positive growth, expanding by 3.0 percent between October 2024 and October 2025. This performance was largely supported by improvements in the manufacturing sub-sector. Industry contributed 28.7 percent to total economic growth. Agriculture posted a modest growth rate of 0.9 percent, contributing 1.3 percent to overall expansion. According to Dr. Alhassan, the increase was mainly driven by improved performance in fishing activities during the month. He noted that agricultural output remains highly seasonal. The MIEG is compiled using monthly volume indicators and administrative data across all economic activities captured in the quarterly GDP system. To ensure consistency with national accounts, the indicators are deflated using monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data to remove the effects of inflation. Dr. Alhassan explained that the MIEG is currently classified as an experimental statistic and is subject to continuous improvement and revision as more comprehensive data become available. “Like the quarterly and annual national accounts, the MIEG is open to revision for up to two years, mainly due to the incorporation of additional data and reconciliation with annual accounts,” he said. The indicator is not seasonally adjusted, meaning month-on-month growth rates are not reported. Annual comparisons are considered more reliable at this stage, pending the availability of a longer time series for seasonal adjustment. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) aims to release the MIEG within 75 days after the reference month. The next release, covering November 2025, is scheduled for 11 February 2026. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith and Hawa Abubakar

The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects believed to be members of an organised criminal syndicate that uses taxi cabs to steal mobile phones and other valuables from unsuspecting passengers in Accra and its environs. Addressing the media on Tuesday in Accra, the Director of National Operations of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Theophilus Hlor­menu, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated police operations by the National Operations Directorate (NOD) Surveillance Unit, in collaboration with the NOD Emergency Command Centre. According to DCOP Hlormenu, the suspects—Sasu Lawrence, also known as Agbe, aged 45; Richard Osei, aged 36; and Charles Kofi Nti, also known as Survivor, aged 40—were arrested on January 12, 2026, in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Accra and surrounding communities. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects operate as a syndicate targeting mainly women in the early hours of the day. They reportedly pose as commercial taxi drivers, with two suspects seated in front and a third at the back. Once a victim boards the vehicle, the doors are deliberately locked. As the victim attempts to alight, the suspect at the back pretends to assist but allegedly steals the victim’s mobile phone or wallet. DCOP Hlormenu explained that investigations were triggered by a complaint lodged on November 17, 2025, by a victim who reported that she boarded a taxi from Nmai Dzorn to Adenta Aviation. Upon reaching her destination, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly threatened her and forcibly took her iPhone 14 before ordering her out of the car. Subsequent intelligence and technical surveillance led police to identify a black-and-orange Toyota Vitz used in the operations, as well as the suspects’ movements and hideouts across Kasoa, Taifa, Pokuase, Amasaman, and nearby areas. On January 12, the suspect vehicle was tracked and intercepted at Weija, leading to the arrest of Sasu Lawrence. Further operations at Pokuase Mayera resulted in the arrest of Richard Osei, who attempted to flee upon sighting police officers. A green Daewoo Matiz, suspected to be linked to the syndicate, was retrieved as an exhibit. The third suspect, Charles Kofi Nti, was later arrested at Doblo Gonno, where he was found hiding in a room at his residence. DCOP Hlormenu said all three suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices, including suspected receivers of the stolen items. Two individuals identified as receivers—Williams Ampong, aged 47, who operates around Circle and Achimota, and Frederick Kwaku Gyadu, aged 50—are also being pursued. He assured the public of the Police Service’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station. The police has further explained that the technical name for the crime perpetuated is termed as 'City Bugu'. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s gold-for-reserves programme has produced major macroeconomic benefits that significantly outweigh the trading losses recorded by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), according to a new report presented to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The study, conducted by economists from the University of Ghana and the University of Ghana Business School, finds that GoldBod has sharply reduced gold smuggling, boosted foreign exchange inflows and strengthened Ghana’s external position. Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold exports rose from 63.6 tonnes in 2024 to 103.0 tonnes in 2025, an increase of 39.4 tonnes. The report attributes most of the increase to the formalisation of previously smuggled gold, generating an estimated US$3.8 billion in additional foreign exchange inflows. These gains, the authors note, far exceed the US$214 million trading loss reported by the BoG and cited by the IMF. Benefits from reduced smuggling alone outweigh the loss by about 18 times. The report also highlights major savings from non-debt foreign exchange inflows. ASM exports facilitated through GoldBod were valued at about US$10.8 billion in 2025. Raising a similar amount through borrowing would have cost Ghana up to US$1.08 billion annually in interest, the authors estimate. Beyond foreign exchange, GoldBod is credited with supporting international reserves of US$11–12 billion, stabilising the cedi, lowering external debt servicing costs by about GH¢6.2 billion, reducing the import bill, and easing inflationary pressures. The report argues that the BoG’s reported loss largely reflects accounting effects rather than real cash losses, estimating the true economic cost of the programme at about 2.5% of the value of gold traded. It added that GoldBod should be seen as a macroeconomic stabilisation tool rather than a profit-driven entity, describing it as a high-impact policy that has reduced reliance on external borrowing and strengthened Ghana’s economic stability. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in the pricing of goods, particularly in critical sectors such as vehicle spare parts that directly affect transport costs and the cost of living. She made this statement on Monday, January 12, 2026, during a working visit to the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market in Accra, aimed at assessing prevailing prices and engaging traders on challenges confronting the market. The Minister was accompanied by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and the President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Mr. Clement Boateng. As part of the visit, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare held a closed-door meeting with executives of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers’ Association to receive first-hand briefings on market conditions. Addressing traders, the Minister explained that the visit followed earlier engagements at the Ministry, where discussions focused on the recent stability of the Ghanaian cedi and the need for traders to reflect the improved currency performance in their pricing. President of the Abossey Okai Market Association, Mr. Henry Okyere Jnr., acknowledged that spare parts prices had reduced significantly in recent weeks but expressed concern about the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “Affairs.” He noted that these individuals often intercept car owners and sell parts at inflated prices, wrongly portraying Abossey Okai traders as overpricing their goods. He also raised concerns about some automobile fitters who allegedly exaggerate the cost of spare parts to unsuspecting customers. In response, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare announced plans by government to establish a police post at the entrance of the market to curb the activities of unscrupulous middlemen. She, however, urged spare parts dealers to explore ways of formally integrating and employing some of these individuals to promote order and accountability. The Minister commended traders for their cooperation and assured them of government’s continued engagement, stressing the importance of collaboration in advancing Ghana’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, disclosed that by the first week of February 2026, a designated car park would be created along the Agbogbloshie stretch to decongest the Abossey Okai area. He hinted that it would improve accessibility, and encourage car owners to transact directly with shop owners. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Weija Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 11 foreign nationals for their alleged involvement in counterfeit currency production and cyber fraud activities. The arrests were carried out on January 5, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Cyber Fraud Taskforce Unit of the Weija Sector Command at a residential apartment in Tuba, a suburb of Accra. Items retrieved from the scene included laptops, routers, mobile phones, fake United States dollar notes, and tabletop printers and photocopying machines believed to have been used in the illegal operations. The suspects are currently in custody assisting with further investigations. The Ghana Immigration Service has commended members of the public for their cooperation and support, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving foreigners in their communities to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. The Service also cautioned landlords and property owners to exercise due diligence when renting out their premises to foreign nationals, noting that harbouring illegal immigrants constitutes an offence under Section 52(1)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573). The Comptroller-General of Immigration and the management of the Service reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity and ensuring strict compliance with immigration laws. The statement was signed by Maud Anima Quainoo, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Head of the Public Affairs Department. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s inflation rate declined further to 5.4 per cent in December 2025, marking the 12th consecutive month of disinflation and the lowest rate recorded since the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was rebased in 2021, the Government Statistician, Dr. Iddrisu Alhassan, PhD, has announced. According to Dr. Alhassan, the December 2025 CPI stood at 261.7, up from 248.3 in December 2024, indicating that on average, goods and services were 5.4 per cent more expensive than a year earlier. He explained that the sustained decline reflects a significant shift towards price stability and improving macroeconomic conditions. “This outcome shows that inflation has fallen sharply by about 18.4 percentage points over the past year, signalling broad-based easing of price pressures across the economy,” Dr. Alhassan stated. On a month-on-month basis, inflation stood at 0.9 per cent in December, meaning prices rose slightly between November and December 2025. Dr. Alhassan noted that while short-term price movements persist, they are now occurring within a stable and downward long-term trend. Breaking down the figures, the Government Statistician revealed that inflation declined across major components, including food, non-food, goods, and both locally produced and imported items. Food inflation fell to 4.9 per cent year-on-year in December 2025, down sharply from 27.8 per cent in December 2024 and 6.6 per cent in November 2025. This represents a 22.9 percentage point decline over the year. “Food accounts for about 43 per cent of household expenditure, so this decline provides significant relief to household budgets,” Dr. Alhassan explained, adding that food prices, however, increased marginally by 1.1 per cent on a month-on-month basis due to short-term and seasonal factors. Non-food inflation also eased to 5.8 per cent in December 2025, down from 6.1 per cent in November and 20.3 per cent a year earlier, representing a 14.5 percentage point decline over the year. Month-on-month, non-food prices rose by 0.6 per cent, indicating moderate pressure. Dr. Alhassan further disclosed that goods inflation slowed to 5.8 per cent in December 2025, from 7.3 per cent in November and 23.1 per cent in December 2024. Goods inflation therefore declined by 17.3 percentage points over the year, providing relief across a category that makes up nearly three-quarters of the CPI basket. He added that the slowdown in food inflation was broad-based, driven by easing prices across major food subclasses such as vegetables, cereals, fish and meat, although some month-to-month fluctuations were observed. Dr. Alhassan emphasised that the Ghana Statistical Service continues to improve how inflation data are presented, with deeper analysis of goods and services, contributions to inflation, annual average inflation, and the use of visual infographics to enhance public understanding. “Inflation statistics must be clearly understood by households, businesses and policymakers. Our objective is to ensure the data informs decision-making and supports effective economic planning,” he said. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

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