BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has issued a stern warning to Ghanaians over the growing menace of stolen vehicles being trafficked into the country, with certain high-end models emerging as the most common targets.
According to EOCO, vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Ford F-150 pickup, Range Rover, and Dodge Ram feature prominently in its recent seizures, raising concerns that Ghana may be solidifying its reputation as a hub for illicit car trade.
Ghana’s Growing Role in Stolen Vehicle Trade
For years, Interpol has cautioned that Ghana is increasingly becoming a transit point for stolen vehicles, particularly those smuggled from Canada and the United States.
Criminal syndicates reportedly exploit weaknesses in vehicle verification systems and take advantage of unsuspecting buyers who often prioritize affordability over due diligence.
EOCO’s latest operations appear to confirm this trend. Speaking on Joy News TV, the Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, revealed that the majority of cars intercepted by the office fall within these four brands.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and the Dodge Ram. These are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” Siamah explained.
Red Flags for Buyers
EOCO cautioned the public to be particularly wary of newer vehicles—especially 2023 and 2024 models—that appear spotless and accident-free on the Ghanaian market.
The import car trade is historically dominated by salvaged or accident-damaged vehicles auctioned abroad. The sudden influx of nearly pristine models is, according to EOCO, highly suspicious.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 or 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag. That should point you to doing extra checks—for instance, going to Interpol to find out whether or not that car is stolen,” Siamah stressed.
Beyond the Four Brands
Although Honda, Ford, Land Rover, and Dodge vehicles are the most intercepted, EOCO insists that its operations cover a wider spectrum of brands.
“Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” Siamah clarified, noting that syndicates adapt quickly and shift models once the market becomes alert.
