Ghana to introduce pre-shipment vehicle checks as GSA strengthens import controls

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is set to introduce a new system requiring used vehicles imported into the country to undergo inspection before shipment as part of efforts to improve vehicle safety and protect consumers.

The Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme, which takes effect on October 1, 2026, will require used vehicles to be inspected in their countries of export to ensure they meet Ghana's approved safety, technical and environmental standards before entering the local market.

The GSA announced the initiative during a media engagement, where it outlined measures being adopted to improve the quality of imported vehicles and reduce the entry of unsafe automobiles.

Ghana to ban importation of used vehicles over 10 years from October 1

Under the programme, only vehicles that pass the required inspections will be issued a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which will be mandatory for import approval.

The GSA has partnered with Omanbapa Auto & PVOC Ltd as the programme's third-party implementation partner.

The company will work with internationally accredited inspection organisations to support the verification process and ensure compliance with Ghana's vehicle standards.

Omanbapa will also coordinate technical collaborations with global inspection bodies to establish effective systems for vehicle assessment, verification and reporting before vehicles are shipped to Ghana.

Ahead of the rollout, the company has facilitated engagements between the GSA and international partners, including Autoterminal Japan Ltd (ATJ), to develop inspection procedures, digital verification mechanisms and operational guidelines for the programme.

The PVoC initiative is expected to address concerns over the importation of damaged and unsafe vehicles, improve road safety and give consumers greater confidence in the quality of vehicles purchased in Ghana.

Income Tax Reforms: Here's what Ghanaians need to know

It will also strengthen regulation of the automotive sector by reducing disputes at the ports, improving customs processes and ensuring that vehicles entering the country comply with national standards.

The GSA and its partners say the programme forms part of broader efforts to align Ghana's vehicle import system with international best practices while promoting a safer and more reliable automotive industry.

DR/MA