By: Sarah Baafi
A Ghanaian-born Army Major, Kojo Owusu Dartey aged 42 has been sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his involvement in smuggling firearms from the United States to Ghana. This sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II in the Eastern District of North Carolina following Dartey’s conviction on April 23, 2024.
Owusu Dartey was found guilty of multiple offenses including conspiracy, dealing in firearms without a license, and smuggling goods from the U.S.. The case against him began when he attempted to smuggle firearms into Ghana by concealing them in barrels filled with rice and household goods shipped from Baltimore to Tema.
This operation was part of a larger scheme that involved purchasing weapons near Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and enlisting another soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to buy additional firearms.
The investigation revealed that Dartey worked closely with an Army Chief Warrant Officer to facilitate the shipment of these weapons through international ports. However, their plans were foiled when authorities at the Port of Tema discovered the hidden weapons during routine inspections. Upon discovering these illicit shipments, Ghanaian officials promptly notified both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), leading to a comprehensive investigation into Dartey’s activities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Bubar emphasized during his sentencing announcement: “This case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to curb illegal arms trafficking and ensure that those who violate federal law face justice.”
The prosecution underscored not only Dartey’s role in arms smuggling but also his involvement in other illicit activities such as marriage fraud schemes involving soldiers at Fort Liberty and Ghanaian nationals.
Assistant U.S Attorney Gabriel J Diaz led the prosecution team with support from multiple investigative agencies including ATF and CID (Army Criminal Investigation Division).
