The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has flagged Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models as the most common vehicles under suspicion in its intensified crackdown on stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.
Interpol has long described Ghana as a growing hub for stolen vehicles, particularly from Canada and the United States.
EOCO says its recent operations confirm that these four brands account for the majority of cases intercepted.
Speaking on Joy News TV, the Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, cautioned prospective car buyers to exercise vigilance when dealing in these models.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and I think the Dodge Ram. These are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” he said.
Red flags for buyers
Mr. Siamah further advised car buyers to be wary of vehicles that appear “too new and accident-free” on the Ghanaian market, especially 2023 and 2024 models.
He explained that Ghana’s vehicle market traditionally deals in salvaged or accident-damaged imports, making the sudden influx of spotless, newer cars highly suspicious.
“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 model, 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra — for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he advised.
While Honda CR-Vs, Range Rovers, Ford F-150s, and Dodge Rams top the list, EOCO says its operations are not limited to these models.
“Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” Mr. Siamah clarified.
EOCO is urging the public to take advantage of Interpol’s database and other verification systems before making vehicle purchases, stressing that due diligence is the best safeguard against buying a stolen car.
