GHANA SEIZES NIGERIAN SHIP(Ghanaian Voice)

- OVER ILLEGAL DISCHARGE OF GOODS ON HIGH SEAS - - CREWMEN HELD HOSTAGE FOR A MONTH - It seems unthinkable to occur in the present cordial relationship between Ghana's President JJ Rawlings and Nigerian strongman, Gen. Sani Abacha; but it has happened. Ghana, on April 19, this year seized Nigerian ship M/V Nigerian Express which was docked at the Tema Harbour. The ship which brought cargo from Lagos, Nigeria was accused by officials of Ghana's Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), of illegally discharging goods to boats on high seas at Teshie, a fishing suburb in Accra. The action of the captain of the ship in question, Chima Nwigwe, Customs officials said, was a subtle attempts by the Nigerian ship and the crewmen to evade tax. Captain Nwigwe was also accused of illegally carrying a passenger on a Cargo ship which is a contravention of marine laws. The said passenger, The Independent gathered from the CEPS went on board without proper documentation.