Customs intercepts concealed textiles and 10 motorbikes at Techiman checkpoint

Customs officers at the Techiman checkpoint in Ghana have intercepted a substantial amount of counterfeit textiles and motorbikes concealed within a cargo truck registered in Burkina Faso. On November 5, 2026, a DAF XF truck, bearing the registration number BF2798G303, was halted by officials during routine inspections. Upon a thorough search, the officers discovered 97 bales of imitation wax prints, measuring a total of 58,200 yards of fabric, and 10 newly assembled Yamaha Aerox motorbikes.

These items were found concealed beneath layers of dry okro powder and empty glass bottles within the truck's cargo space.

The uncustomed goods, meaning they have not yet undergone the necessary import duties and clearance procedures, are estimated to incur GH¢465,186.90 in import duties. This estimation is based on an FOB value of $52,962, inclusive of freight, insurance, import duty, VAT, and various levies. The seized items are covered by multiple Notices of Seizure, numbers 0015388 through 0015395, all issued on November 11, 2026.

These notices are issued under provisions of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), and label the goods as liable for forfeiture.

Among those named in the seizure notices are Sansadogo Mohammed, linked to the motorcycle importation, and "Dabil" and "Perpetual," implicated in the textile consignment. The documents stipulate that any individual desiring to contest the forfeiture must submit a written claim within a month. If no claim is filed, the goods may be considered legally forfeited and disposed of as directed by the Commissioner.

Currently, the goods remain in the custody of the Sunyani Regional Office's state warehouse, awaiting further legal proceedings. This interception highlights the persistent efforts of Ghana's Customs authorities in curbing the illicit concealment and undeclared importation of goods through inland channels.