The Ministry of the Interior has warned vehicle-retrofitting companies and individuals against converting vehicles into Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) without the requisite permits and approvals, stressing that offenders will face the full extent of the law.
Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, said the Government would not allow companies or individuals to circumvent regulatory requirements or compromise security standards governing vehicles used for the transportation of cash, bullion and other high-value assets.
He said any retrofitting entity found operating without the necessary authorisation could face sanctions, including the revocation of its operating licence, in addition to other penalties prescribed by law.
Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the Guidelines and Standards for Armoured Bullion Vehicles in Ghana, Mr. Terlabi said the enforcement of the standards was critical to protecting lives, safeguarding valuable assets and strengthening national security.
He explained that the Guidelines and Standards, which cover the importation, retrofitting, usage and decommissioning of ABVs, were introduced in response to security concerns surrounding Cash-in-Transit (CIT) operations.
According to him, armed attacks on CIT operations between 2021 and 2023 resulted in the loss of lives, including police officers and civilians, while criminals in some instances made away with cash being transported by CIT vehicles.
He noted that the use of soft-skinned vehicles, which offered limited protection against armed attacks, had further exposed CIT personnel and valuable assets to serious risks.
Mr. Terlabi said the Guidelines and Standards provide requirements for ABV importation and certification, operational and maintenance standards, inspection and compliance monitoring, personnel qualifications, vehicle retrofitting and modification, decommissioning, as well as recovery and contingency strategies.
He stressed that compliance should not be treated merely as an administrative requirement but as a critical component of public safety and national security.
“Every stakeholder therefore has a responsibility to ensure that the vehicles deployed for the transportation of cash and other valuables are safe, fit for purpose and capable of providing the protection required,” he said.
The Deputy Minister urged private security organisations, CIT operators, importers and vehicle-retrofitting companies to take full ownership of the guidelines and incorporate them into their daily operations.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the Ministry of the Interior, Ghana Police Service, Bank of Ghana, private security organisations, CIT operators, importers and retrofitting companies to ensure effective implementation of the standards.
Mr. Terlabi further appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving CIT vehicles to the nearest police station or the Ministry of the Interior.
He said unusual or reckless driving, vehicles operating in circumstances inconsistent with legitimate CIT activities, or any conduct that raises reasonable security concerns should be promptly reported to law enforcement authorities.
He emphasised that timely reporting could provide critical information to the security agencies, help prevent criminal activity and protect lives and property.
The Guidelines and Standards for the Importation, Retrofitting, Usage and Decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles were officially rolled out by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, in December 2025.
Mr. Terlabi said the Ministry remained committed to ensuring that every ABV operating in Ghana was properly regulated, compliant with prescribed standards, safe and fit for purpose.
