File photo of imported cars
A group calling itself Concerned Importers of Vehicles has threatened to storm the Jubilee House over what it describes as widespread manipulation of the ages of imported vehicles at Ghana’s ports.
The group alleges that despite existing regulations, some importers are still able to alter the age of vehicles imported from Japan and Dubai to evade penalties imposed on over-aged vehicles.
Speaking to the media, on January 25, 2026, Fredericka Ackah, a leading member of the Concerned Importers of Vehicles, said importers were last year assured that the ages of vehicles imported from Japan and Dubai would not be reduced, yet some individuals continue to benefit from the practice.
“Last year, in 2025, we were told that importers bringing in cars from Japan and Dubai should not have the ages reduced, but some people are still doing it. Recently, a friend of mine imported vehicles from Japan; the ages of some were reduced while others were not,” she said.
She explained that the inconsistencies have created confusion within the importers’ community and opened avenues for corruption.
Ackah warned that if the situation is not addressed, the group will take their concerns directly to the Presidency.
“The Commissioner should take action or we will storm the Jubilee House to report what is going on at the Ports and Harbours,” she stated.
According to her, some vehicles originally manufactured in 2007 or 2008 allegedly have their years altered to appear as 2011 or 2013, allowing importers to dodge over-age penalties.
The group has called on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to intensify checks at the ports to curb the practice.
“There is a lot of confusion among importers. If the age can be reduced, people will take their vehicles to others who can do it for them just to dodge the over-age penalty. DVLA should be vigilant and ensure that any vehicle whose age has been reduced is thoroughly checked,” Ackah said.
She added that the group has documents to support claims that the ages of some imported vehicles have been manipulated.
Ghana currently bans the importation of salvaged vehicles and used vehicles older than ten years. The restriction is contained in the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020, which was passed by Parliament in March 2020 and assented to by then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on April 30, 2020.
Per Section 154 (5) of the Act, the prohibition came into force six months after presidential assent, making it effective from October 2020.
The ban on importing vehicles older than ten years is intended to create a viable market for vehicles manufactured or assembled in Ghana. The law also provides import-duty rebates for companies that establish vehicle manufacturing or assembly plants locally, as part of government efforts to promote industrialisation and job creation.
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