By Citizen Kofi Owusu
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has announced that it will begin enforcing the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for imported used vehicles from October 1, 2026, as part of measures to improve road safety, protect the environment and prevent Ghana from becoming a destination for substandard vehicles.
Under the new regime, all used vehicles destined for Ghana will undergo inspection in their country of export to ensure compliance with Ghana Standard GS 4510, which regulates the importation of used vehicles. The Authority said the programme is designed to prevent the importation of unsafe vehicles, enhance compliance with national safety and environmental standards, improve vehicle traceability and protect consumers from purchasing defective automobiles.
As part of the standards, the GSA said vehicles that have suffered major structural damage, including flood-damaged or water-submerged vehicles, fire-damaged vehicles and vehicles with broken, cracked, bent or twisted chassis or safety cages, will not be allowed into the country. The Authority also reiterated that the importation of originally manufactured right-hand-drive vehicles, vehicles assembled from spare parts, vehicles without speedometers calibrated in kilometres per hour and used vehicles more than 10 years old remains prohibited.
The Authority believes the implementation of the PVoC programme will significantly improve the quality and safety of vehicles imported into Ghana while promoting consumer confidence and supporting the formalisation of the country’s used-vehicle market. It is also expected to strengthen regulation within the automotive sector, improve access to vehicle financing and attract greater investor confidence.
Speaking to journalists after a stakeholder engagement, the Deputy Director-General in charge of General Services at the Ghana Standards Authority, Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, said the initiative now enjoys broad stakeholder support after initial concerns raised by some industry players.
He explained that the policy seeks to close loopholes that have allowed Ghana to become a dumping ground for defective vehicles.
“We are trying to plug a major loophole where all the waste, especially in the automotive industry, comes into our country as a dumping ground, killing our people and creating environmental hazards. That era must come to an end,” he stated.
Mr. Jabanyite assured vehicle importers that the Authority would not compromise on vehicles that pose safety risks.
“We will not compromise on flooded vehicles or burnt vehicles. Those are clearly unacceptable. However, where certain components can be replaced to make a vehicle roadworthy, the accredited third-party inspectors have the expertise to assess and determine compliance before shipment,” he added.
As part of the reforms, the Ghana Standards Authority will also introduce the Vehicle Dealer Information System (VEDIS), a digital platform designed to prevent the importation and registration of stolen vehicles.
According to Mr. Jabanyite, VEDIS will integrate information from key institutions, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), insurance companies, INTERPOL, National Security and the Ghana Standards Authority, allowing real-time verification of vehicle records before registration.
He said the integrated platform would enhance transparency, strengthen regulation and ensure that only safe and legally acquired vehicles are registered for use on Ghana’s roads.
The enforcement of the PVoC programme from October 1, 2026, marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen vehicle safety standards, safeguard consumers, reduce environmental risks and promote a more efficient and sustainable automotive industry.
CitizenSpeaks