97 bales of imitation wax prints hidden under okro powder seized at Techiman

Customs officers in Techiman have apprehended 97 bales of counterfeit wax prints and 10 Yamaha Aerox motorbikes concealed within a cargo truck registered in Burkina Faso. The DAF XF truck, bearing the registration number BF2798G303, was halted at the Techiman checkpoint on Thursday, November 5, 2026. During a search, the textile bales were discovered concealed beneath a layer of dry okro powder and emptied glass bottles.

The seized vehicle was subsequently transported to the Sunyani Regional Office for a comprehensive inspection. According to a press release from the Ghana Revenue Authority, the inspection uncovered the 97 bales, containing a total of 58,200 yards of fabric, along with the ten fresh 155cc motorbikes. All items involved are classified as uncustomed, indicating that the necessary duties had not been paid and the clearance procedures had not been concluded.

The estimated duty on the textile shipment is GH¢465,186.90, calculated based on an FOB value of $52,962, inclusive of freight, insurance, import duty, VAT, and various levies and charges. On November 11, five Notices of Seizure, numbered 0015388, 0015392, 0015393, 0015394, and 0015395, were issued, citing the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) and describing the goods as subject to potential forfeiture.

The notices identify Sansadogo Mohammed in connection with the motorbikes and 'Dabil' and 'Perpetual' in relation to the textile consignment. Should any individual wish to contest the forfeiture, a written claim must be submitted within a one-month period. If no claim is filed, the goods may be deemed lawfully forfeited and disposed of according to the Commissioner's directives.

The seized items are currently housed at the state warehouse at the Sunyani Regional Office, awaiting further action.