Staff of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission stationed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) have seized 3,967 dried shark fins, with a total weight of 488 kg, at the Swissport Cargo Centre.

The fins, packed in 14 wrapped jute bags, popularly known as “Ghana Must Go”, are believed to have a street value of between USD300,000 and USD 400,000, with Mauritania as its final destination.

Staff were alerted by the Veterinary Services Directorate of KIA regarding the items, which were initially declared as dried fish, but upon inspection, it was found to contain dried shark fins contrary to the declaration provided.

The consignment did not have the required export permit or accompanying documentation authorising the exportation of wildlife products, contrary to the Wildlife Resources Management Act, 2023 (Act 1115), Section 22(2)(a): “A permit may be granted for the following activities: (a) to export, re-export or import wildlife and products”.  

The seized dried fins were identified to have been harvested from the following species of sharks: Prionace glauca (Blue shark); Alopias vulpinus (Common thresher); Carchachinus falciformis (Silky shark), and Sphyrna mokarran (Hammerhead shark). 

All these species, their parts and derivatives are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and an export permit is required before they can be exported. Additionally, it ensures that trade is legal and sustainable and does not harm the species’ survival.

The seized consignment is being held by FC, whilst the primary suspect has been handed over to the Airport Police Station for further investigations and prosecution.