Ghana’s vehicle market is under scrutiny as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) intensifies its crackdown on stolen cars trafficked into the country. Recent operations have flagged specific vehicle models as high-risk, prompting EOCO to issue a cautionary advisory to prospective car buyers. This development underscores the importance of vigilance in ensuring ethical and secure transactions within Ghana's automotive sector.
Ghana: A Growing Hub for Stolen Vehicles
Interpol has long identified Ghana as a burgeoning hub for stolen vehicles, particularly those originating from Canada and the United States. EOCO’s investigations have reinforced this concern, revealing that certain brands dominate the list of intercepted stolen cars. According to Leo Anthony Siamah, Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, four vehicle models—Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge Rams—are disproportionately represented in the agency’s recent recoveries.
Speaking on Joy News TV, Mr. Siamah emphasized the need for heightened vigilance when purchasing these vehicles. "There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and I think the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you," he stated.
Red Flags for Buyers: What to Watch Out For
EOCO advises car buyers to exercise caution when encountering vehicles that appear "too new and accident-free" in Ghana’s market. Traditionally, Ghana imports salvaged or accident-damaged cars, making the sudden influx of spotless 2023 and 2024 models suspicious. Mr. Siamah explained that these pristine vehicles often warrant further investigation.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 model, 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra — for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he advised.
While the Honda CR-Vs, Range Rovers, Ford F-150s, and Dodge Rams top EOCO’s list of high-risk models, Mr. Siamah clarified that their operations are not limited to these brands. Vehicles such as Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords have also been flagged in past investigations.
Due Diligence: A Buyer’s Best Safeguard
EOCO urges prospective buyers to leverage available verification systems, including Interpol’s database, before finalizing any vehicle purchase. Conducting due diligence not only protects buyers from inadvertently acquiring stolen property but also contributes to curbing illegal trafficking activities in the automotive market.
As Mr. Siamah noted, “Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference.”
Practical Steps for Buyers
To mitigate risks when purchasing a vehicle in Ghana, EOCO recommends the following steps:
1. Verify Vehicle Status: Utilize Interpol’s database or other verification systems to confirm whether the car has been reported stolen.
2. Investigate Vehicle History: Be wary of newer models (2023 and 2024) that seem accident-free or unusually pristine.
3. Seek Professional Advice: Engage with trusted automotive experts or legal advisors to ensure all documentation is authentic and legitimate.
4. Avoid Suspicious Deals: If the price seems too good to be true or the seller hesitates to provide proper documentation, consider walking away from the transaction.
Conclusion
EOCO’s intensified crackdown on stolen vehicles serves as a reminder for buyers in Ghana to prioritize vigilance and due diligence when navigating the automotive market. With Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge Rams leading the list of high-risk models, prospective buyers must remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to illegal trafficking schemes.
By leveraging verification systems and exercising prudence in vehicle purchases, buyers can safeguard themselves against legal complications while contributing to broader efforts aimed at combating organized crime in Ghana’s automotive sector.
-Joynewstv
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
