Interior Ministry urges strict enforcement of Armoured Bullion Vehicle standards in Ghana

The Deputy Minister for the Interior in Ghana, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for strict adherence to guidelines and standards regulating the importation, retrofitting, utilization, and decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) in the country. This appeal was made during a sensitization workshop held in Accra for officers of the Customs Division at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Terlabi underscored the importance of stringent regulation of ABVs to ensure public safety, enhance national security, promote lawful commerce, and uphold adherence to relevant regulatory provisions. He emphasized that the responsibility of Customs officers extended beyond mere importation and clearance, encompassing the comprehensive lifecycle of the vehicles, including retrofitting, operation, and ultimate decommissioning.

Terlabi also stressed the necessity of operating ABVs in compliance with safety, security, and technical standards throughout their lifespan. Furthermore, he advocated for enhanced collaboration among the Customs Division, the Ghana Police Service, the Bank of Ghana, and other pertinent entities, particularly concerning vehicle certification, roadworthiness, technical standards, and security requirements.

He encouraged the participants to actively engage in the sensitization program by posing inquiries and sharing practical insights to foster a unified understanding and consistent execution of the guidelines across all Customs commands and posts. Terlabi elucidated that a thorough comprehension of the prerequisites for declaring, documenting, classifying, valuing, inspecting, and clearing ABVs would facilitate the seamless facilitation of legitimate businesses in accordance with the law.

In response, the Deputy Commissioner for Post Clearance Audit at the GRA Customs Division, Alphonse Qauinoo, highlighted that the Customs Division could not function autonomously when addressing matters related to technical standards, security, vehicle certification, and roadworthiness. He asserted that the successful implementation of the guidelines and standards necessitated seamless coordination among all relevant stakeholders while preserving the integrity of Customs proceedings.

The one-day sensitization workshop constitutes a pivotal component of initiatives aimed at fortifying regulatory oversight of Armoured Bullion Vehicles and ensuring the diligent implementation of standards governing their importation, retrofitting, utilization, and decommissioning in Ghana.