Chief Revenue Officer in charge of Preventive at the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Dunstan Ayamga, has refuted claims by some sections of the public that, seized restricted goods by state security institutions at Ghana’s ports, mysteriously find their way back to individuals in the society.
Speaking on the Eye on Port show, he noted that tight procedures by the country’s security agencies would not allow such activities due to the serious implications or consequences the misplacement or reallocation of such dangerous items to individuals in the society would have on the country.
“I don’t see how that can happen from where I sit. It is not possible,” he expressed.
According to him, restricted goods such as ammunition without permits that are seized at the Ports, are kept in public warehouses in the custody of the police who conduct criminal proceedings on them.
Speaking on the same program, the National Security Liaison at the Port of Tema, Sub. Lt Christian Kofi Tettey added that after investigations are completed, the judiciary decides what is done with seized restricted goods like ammunition. Either its destroyed or released to the security agencies for use.
He said even with restricted goods that are imported with permits, his outfit ensures that these goods are escorted and transported safely to their said destinations.
Mr Tettey indicated that strict monitoring is ensured to prevent permitted cargoes like mining materials and fertilizers from falling into wrong hands as a misuse of them can have some chaotic consequences.
“Explosives for mining for example, if used in the market place and explodes, it will cause a lot of harm. So when it comes to the port, we examine it, and escort it to the magazine of the importer,” he disclosed.
Top security officials at Ghana’s ports, stated that with robust risk management systems at the port, effective collaborations with international security institutions like Interpol, as well as local security agencies, contraband and illegal goods would not be allowed into the country.
While the security officials assured of a 24/7 high alert on security procedures at the port, they further emphasized their resolve to be on top of their game particularly within this period, in when the country is preparing for the presidential and parliamentary elections where some of these illegalities may be entertained by some unscrupulous individuals or groups.
