Ghana says used car imports will continue under tougher vehicle standards

Ghana's standards regulator has moved to reassure motorists and vehicle dealers that the country is not banning the importation of used vehicles, despite introducing stricter rules that will take effect from October.

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) said the new enforcement measures are designed to improve road safety and environmental protection by ensuring that all imported vehicles meet national standards before entering the country.

The clarification follows concerns among vehicle importers and dealers that the new regime could amount to a prohibition on used car imports.

In a public notice issued on August 3, the GSA said the National Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme, introduced in 2020, would be fully enforced from 1 October 2026.

Under the programme, all new and used vehicles imported into Ghana must comply with mandatory national safety, quality and environmental standards.

What will change?

The authority said manufacturers, assemblers, importers, distributors and vehicle dealers will be required to register with the GSA.

New vehicle models must undergo homologation – a process that certifies they meet Ghana's technical and safety requirements.

Importers of used vehicles will also have to demonstrate that each vehicle complies with the country's standards before it is shipped to Ghana.

The GSA warned that vehicles which fail to satisfy the requirements will not be allowed into the country.

Why is the programme being enforced?

The authority said the measures are intended to prevent substandard and unsafe vehicles from entering the Ghanaian market while reducing the environmental impact of ageing vehicles.

It said the programme would help improve consumer protection, strengthen quality control and promote a safer and better-regulated automotive sector.

The GSA urged importers, dealers and distributors to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure vehicles comply before shipment to avoid delays or rejection at Ghana's ports.

The authority stressed that the policy is aimed at raising standards rather than ending the importation of used vehicles, which remain a significant part of Ghana's automotive market.

Read the full statement below: