The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have seized 3,967 dried shark fins weighing a total of 488 kilogrammes at the Swissport Cargo Centre.
The fins, concealed in 14 wrapped jute bags popularly known as “Ghana Must Go” bags, are estimated to have a street value of between US$300,000 and US$400,000, with Mauritania believed to be the final destination.
The seizure followed a tip-off from the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA after the consignment was initially declared as dried fish. A subsequent inspection, however, revealed that the cargo contained dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration.
Investigations showed that the consignment lacked the required export permit and accompanying documentation authorising the export of wildlife products, in violation of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). Section 22(2)(a) of the Act stipulates that a permit is required to export, re-export, or import wildlife and wildlife products.
The seized fins were identified as having been harvested from several shark species, including the Blue shark (Prionace glauca), Common thresher (Alopias vulpinus), Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), and Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran).
All the identified species, as well as their parts and derivatives, are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which requires an export permit to ensure that international trade is legal, sustainable, and does not threaten the survival of the species.
The seized consignment is currently being held by the Forestry Commission, while the prime suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station for further investigations and possible prosecution.
