Guidelines And Standards for Importation, Retrofitting, Usage, And Decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVS) In Ghana.
Guidelines And Standards for Importation, Retrofitting, Usage, And Decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVS) In Ghana.
According to the minister for the interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP), there were at least five (5) regrettable armed attacks between 2021 and 2023.
Three (3) of these attacks were fatal and led to the loss of the lives of three (3) Police officers.
The attackers were also successful in three (3) of the robberies and took off with cash that was being transported by the CIT vehicles.
Attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles were frequent and successful, more so because there were lapses and weaknesses in the processes and resources for undertaking CIT operations, which included the use of soft metal body plating or soft-skinned vehicles by cash-in-transit entities and financial institutions, which could not hold armed attackers at bay.
The tragic incidents involving attacks on bullion vans in past years served as a national wake-up call.
They reminded us that when it comes to safeguarding life and property, we cannot afford to compromise on standards.
He stated that the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of the Interior and other key stakeholders, has taken decisive action to institute comprehensive guidelines and standards as well as other measures to regulate this vital space.
According to the minister, he is pleased to inform you that Ghana has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the security of our financial logistics sector through the roll-out of a comprehensive “Guidelines and standards to regulate the importation, retrofitting, usage, and decommissioning of Armoured Bullion Vehicles.”
The Guidelines and Standards cover, among others, the following key areas:
- Importation requirements and certification processes
- Operational and maintenance standards
- Procedures for inspection, testing, and compliance monitoring
- Personnel qualifications
- Specifications for retrofitting and modification
- Safe and proper decommissioning of the ABVs
- Recovery and redundancy strategy for contingency scenarios
The above Guidelines and Standards shall be strictly enforced in conjunction with the Standard Operating Procedures for Armoured Bullion Vehicles (ABVs) by the Ghana Police Service and the Bank of Ghana.
Effective Date for the Implementation of the Guidelines and Standards
According to the Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP), the Ministry of the Interior issues a Forty-five (45) day notice, effective Monday, 8th December, 2025, to Monday, 21st January, 2026, within which period the following steps should be adhered to:
- All financial institutions and entities in the cash-in-transit business with soft-skinned vehicles are required to park them immediately and proceed to apply for the necessary clearance for retrofitting of the said vehicles at a certified retrofitting centre.
- Entities operating in the cash-in-transit/Bullion business are to cease operations henceforth and proceed to register and acquire the needed licenses and certification from the Ministry of the Interior before operations.”
- Entities engaged in the retrofitting of Armoured Bullion Vehicles for the cash-in-transit/Bullion services are to cease operations henceforth and proceed to register and acquire the needed licenses and certification from the Ministry of the Interior before operations.
- All stakeholders should note that, after the 45-day notice period, there shall be nationwide enforcement and full implementation of the Guidelines and Standards, including taking legal action and applying sanctions against those who breach the directives.
IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The successful roll-out of these Guidelines will be followed by a phased implementation plan which includes:
- Accreditation of authorised importers and retrofitters who meet the specified technical and security standards.
- Regular inspections and compliance audits to ensure adherence to safety and operational protocols.
- Mandatory training and licensing for drivers, escort personnel, and others engaged in bullion and CIT operations.
- A structured decommissioning process to ensure that retired vehicles are rendered inoperable and properly documented.
The Minister concluded by saying:
Let us work together to ensure CIT and bullion operations are secure, efficient, and safe so that we can protect lives, prevent financial losses, and promote economic growth and development.
Any organisation or individual found violating these guidelines will attract administrative sanctions, including suspension of operational licenses and possible prosecution under applicable laws.
The government will not compromise on the safety and security of its citizens and financial institutions.
Let us remember that the value of a nation’s security infrastructure is not measured only by its strength, but by the lives it protects.
Every police officer, driver, and operations staff member who participates in a CIT or bullion transport deserves to return home safely after every mission.
He used the opportunity to reiterate the Government’s resolve to safeguard life and property, promote professionalism in the financial logistics sector, and enhance public confidence in the secure movement of cash and valuables nationwide.
