Unauthorised bullion vehicle retrofitting will face sanctions -Interior Ministry

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a stern warning to vehicle retrofitting firms, prohibiting them from transforming vehicles into Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) without the necessary permits and approvals. Deputy Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, speaking at a workshop on ABV guidelines and standards, threatened sanctions such as the suspension of operating licenses for non-compliant companies.

The workshop, attended by private security firms, Cash-in-Transit operators, retrofitting companies, and importers, aimed to educate stakeholders on the regulatory framework for ABVs in Ghana. The new guidelines, effective from December 4, 2025, were introduced following a series of armed attacks on Cash-in-Transit vehicles between 2021 and 2023, causing loss of life, property, and cash.

The regulations encompass various aspects, including importation, certification, operational standards, inspection, testing, personnel qualifications, retrofitting specifications, and decommissioning procedures. Terlabi emphasized that compliance should be seen as a vital responsibility, not just an administrative task, as it safeguards lives, safeguards property, maintains public trust, and enhances national security.

All entities involved in ABV operations must adhere to the guidelines, with strong cooperation among the Ministry of the Interior, Ghana Police Service, Bank of Ghana, private security firms, CIT operators, importers, and retrofitting companies being essential for effective implementation. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to CIT vehicles to the nearest police station or the Ministry of the Interior to help prevent criminal acts and protect lives and property.