Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defense and Interior Committee, Peter Toobu, has called for enhanced security at Ghana’s land borders following the seizure of more than 150 weapons concealed in a 40-foot container Port earlier this month by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Peter Toobu, who is also a former police officer, commended the Customs officers for their swift intervention in seizing the weapons, which were initially declared as vehicles when the container first arrived at the port.

However, with elections just two weeks away and the ongoing conflict in Bawku, Mr Toobu stated "This development poses a serious security threat to the nation and should be a cause for concern."

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Customs, Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo, has confirmed that arrests have been made as investigations continue. "This is indeed a worrying development and a troubling story, especially when we consider the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which has been escalating for years,"

He said. "The situation becomes even more concerning with elections just around the corner, coupled with the growing possession of small arms and live weapons in the country. This has become a painful issue for us all," he added.

Mr Ayorrogo also noted that “unfortunately, our borders are not as secure as they should be. While what passes through the ports and airports can be detected, it's the porous borders, particularly along remote routes, that present a real challenge." This, he explained, is why small arms and live weapons are so prevalent, not just in Ghana, but across the sub-region. "It's a problem that affects us all."

Security consultant Prof. Kwesi Aning is also concerned that nothing will be done about this discovery because those in authority are not committed to addressing the illegal importation of weapons. He said, “Change will only come when those who are secretly working to bridge the gap and improve protection take action.”

He lamented, “Until something dramatic happens that threatens our collective existence, nothing will truly change." The issue of small arms and weapons remains largely unaddressed because we are not taking it seriously, he concluded.

Recently, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) made a major interception at Tema Port. They stopped a 40-foot container that was shipped from the United States.

The shipment was originally declared to contain vehicles and personal belongings, but when the container was checked, officials found 53 pistols, 74 magazines, and 65 rounds of live ammunition hidden inside suitcases.

The discovery followed an investigation by the GRA’s Intelligence and Preventive Units. As a result, several people were arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing to determine who was behind the shipment and who was supposed to receive it.

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