Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called for strict compliance with the guidelines and standards governing the importation, retrofitting, use and decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) in Ghana.
He said proper regulation of Armoured Bullion Vehicles was essential to protecting public safety, strengthening security, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that businesses comply with the law.
Mr Terlabi made the call in Accra when he addressed participants at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised for officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
He stressed that Customs officers have an important responsibility to ensure that ABVs and related security equipment entering the country meet all applicable laws, regulations, technical standards and procedures.
According to the Deputy Minister, regulatory compliance should not end once the vehicles have been imported and cleared.
He said the requirements must continue throughout the vehicles’ lifecycle, covering their retrofitting, operation and eventual decommissioning.
Mr Terlabi also emphasised the need for ABVs to be operated in accordance with applicable safety, security and technical requirements.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Customs Division, Ghana Police Service, Bank of Ghana and other relevant institutions, particularly in areas such as vehicle certification, roadworthiness, technical standards and security.
The Deputy Minister urged participants to make full use of the sensitisation programme by asking questions and sharing practical experiences to promote a common understanding of the guidelines.
He said this would help ensure that the standards are implemented consistently across Customs commands and posts nationwide.He said this would help ensure that the standards are implemented consistently across Customs commands and posts nationwide.
Participants were also expected to gain a clearer understanding of the requirements for the declaration, documentation, classification, valuation, inspection and clearance of Armoured Bullion Vehicles, while ensuring that legitimate businesses are facilitated in accordance with the law.
Deputy Commissioner for Post Clearance Audit at the GRA Customs Division, Alphonse Qauinoo, said Customs could not effectively regulate the vehicles without cooperation from other institutions responsible for technical standards, security, certification and roadworthiness.
He stressed that successful implementation of the guidelines would require clear coordination among all relevant stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of Customs processes.
The one-day workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight of Armoured Bullion Vehicles in Ghana and ensure compliance throughout their importation, retrofitting, use and eventual decommissioning.
By: Rachael Djabakie