Importing Vehicles More Than 15 Years Old Into Ghana Is Now Prohibited – Daniel Addae Frimpong

Chief Executive Officer of DAF Royal Shipping, Daniel Addae Frimpong, has warned vehicle importers and prospective car buyers against bringing used vehicles that are more than 15 years old into Ghana, describing the practice as a criminal offence under the country’s vehicle import regulations.

His comments come amid the implementation of new vehicle import standards introduced by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), which took effect on October 1, 2026.

Under the revised framework, used vehicles that are more than 15 years old are prohibited from being imported into Ghana. The restrictions also cover vehicles that have suffered major flood or fire damage, have damaged chassis or safety cages, have been assembled from spare parts, or lack speedometers displaying readings in kilometres per hour.

The new requirements are intended to improve vehicle safety, protect consumers and prevent Ghana from becoming a destination for excessively old or unsafe vehicles.

The GSA has also introduced mandatory pre-shipment inspections for used vehicles. Importers are required to have their vehicles examined in their country of origin by an approved third-party inspection body, which must issue a Certificate of Conformity confirming that the vehicle meets the applicable Ghanaian standards.

Vehicles that fail to satisfy the requirements will not be permitted to enter the country. Importers, distributors and dealers are also expected to register with the GSA’s Vehicle Homologation Unit.

However, the distinction between a prohibited import and a criminal offence is important. The GSA’s public notice describes vehicles exceeding the 15-year limit as prohibited, but does not by itself establish that every attempt to import such a vehicle automatically constitutes a criminal offence.

The Customs Act also contains separate provisions governing the treatment and penalties applicable to over-aged vehicles, depending on their category.

The new regulations place greater responsibility on importers to establish a vehicle’s age, condition and compliance status before shipment. Vehicles shipped before October 1, 2026, are exempt from the new requirements, even if they arrive in Ghana after that date.

Frimpong’s warning therefore serves as a reminder to vehicle dealers and individuals to familiarise themselves with the revised standards before purchasing or shipping used vehicles into Ghana.

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