Govt Rolls Out Guidelines for Armored Bullion Vehicles in Ghana

The Government of Ghana has introduced comprehensive guidelines and standards for the importation, retrofitting, usage, and decommissioning of armored bullion vehicles (ABVs), marking a decisive step toward strengthening the safety of cash-in-transit (CIT) operations nationwide.

Between 2021 and 2023, Ghana recorded at least five armed attacks on CIT vehicles, three of which tragically claimed the lives of police officers. These incidents exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s financial logistics sector, particularly the reliance on soft-skinned vehicles for transporting cash and valuables.

Key Provisions of the Guidelines

Importation & Certification: All ABVs must meet strict importation requirements and undergo certification before deployment.

Operational Standards: Vehicles will be subject to inspection, testing, and compliance monitoring to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Personnel Training: Drivers, escorts, and other CIT staff must undergo mandatory training and licensing.

Retrofitting & Modification: Only certified centers are authorized to retrofit soft-skinned vehicles into ABVs.

Decommissioning: Retired vehicles must be rendered inoperable and properly documented to prevent misuse.

Enforcement Timeline

The Ministry of the Interior has issued a 45-day notice period, effective December 8, 2025, through January 21, 2026. During this period:

Financial institutions using soft-skinned vehicles must park them and apply for clearance to retrofit.

CIT operators must register and acquire licenses from the Ministry of the Interior.

Retrofitting companies must also register and obtain certification.

After the deadline, nationwide enforcement will commence, with sanctions and possible prosecution for non-compliance.

A dedicated Police Enforcement Unit will oversee compliance, reporting to an Implementation Committee comprising representatives from:

Ghana Police Service

Bank of Ghana

Ghana Gold Board

Ministry of Finance

Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority

Private security organizations and banks

Regular inspections and audits will ensure strict adherence to the new standards.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak emphasized that the guidelines are designed to protect lives, prevent financial losses, and restore public confidence in the secure movement of cash and valuables. He noted that the initiative reflects extensive consultation among government agencies, financial institutions, and industry experts.

The rollout of these guidelines signals Ghana’s commitment to modernizing its financial security infrastructure. By enforcing strict standards for ABVs, the government aims to safeguard both personnel and assets, ensuring that cash-in-transit operations are conducted with professionalism, efficiency, and safety.