Strict adherence to armoured bullion vehicle guidelines key to public safety – Deputy Interior Minister

The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for strict adherence to the Guidelines and Standards governing the importation, retrofitting, usage, and decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) in Ghana.

He said effective regulation of ABVs was essential to safeguarding public safety, strengthening security, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring compliance with established laws and standards.

Mr. Terlabi made the call on Monday during a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Accra.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister noted that Customs Officers play a critical role in ensuring that armoured bullion vehicles and related security materials entering the country comply with all applicable laws, regulations, standards and procedures.

He emphasised that compliance should not end at the point of importation and clearance but should extend throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicles, including retrofitting, operation and eventual decommissioning.

Mr. Terlabi further stressed the need to ensure that ABVs are operated in line with the required safety, security and technical standards to minimise risks and enhance public confidence.

The Deputy Minister also called for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Customs Division, the Ghana Police Service, the Bank of Ghana, and other regulatory institutions, particularly in areas related to vehicle certification, roadworthiness, technical standards, and security.

According to him, a common understanding and consistent implementation of the Guidelines and Standards across all Customs commands and posts would help facilitate legitimate business activities while ensuring compliance with the law.

The Deputy Commissioner for Post Clearance Audit at the GRA Customs Division, Alphonse Qauinoo, stated that Customs cannot operate in isolation where technical standards, security, vehicle certification, roadworthiness and other regulatory matters are involved.

He added that the effective implementation of these Guidelines and Standards on ABVs will require clear coordination among all relevant stakeholders, while maintaining the integrity of Customs processes.