Forestry Commission Intercepts Illegal Shark Fin Shipment Worth Up to $400,000 at KIA

The Forestry Commission (FC) has intercepted a large consignment of dried shark fins at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, dealing a major blow to illegal wildlife trade.

The seizure was made by officers of the Wildlife Division of the FC stationed at KIA, who impounded 3,967 dried shark fins weighing 488 kilogrammes at the Swissport Cargo Centre. The fins were packed in 14 wrapped jute bags, popularly known as “Ghana Must Go”, and are estimated to have a street value of between US$300,000 and US$400,000. Authorities say the shipment was bound for Mauritania.

According to the Forestry Commission, the operation followed an alert from the Veterinary Services Directorate at KIA. The consignment had initially been declared as dried fish, but a detailed inspection revealed dried shark fins, contrary to the declaration provided.

Further checks showed that the exporters failed to produce the required export permit or accompanying documentation authorising the exportation of wildlife products, in breach of the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115). Under Section 22(2)(a) of the Act, a permit is required to export, re-export or import wildlife and wildlife products.

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

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). Trade in these species requires an export permit to ensure that such activities are legal, sustainable and do not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.

The Forestry Commission said the seized consignment is currently being held by the Commission, while the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station to assist with investigations and possible prosecution.

The FC reaffirmed its commitment to working with partner agencies at the airport to clamp down on illegal wildlife trade and protect Ghana’s biodiversity.