The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has identified Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models as the vehicle brands most frequently linked to stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.
Interpol has long described Ghana as a key hub for stolen vehicles, particularly from Canada and the United States. EOCO says recent operations confirm that these four brands dominate the cases intercepted in the country.
Speaking on Upfront with Blessed Sogah, the Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, advised car buyers to exercise caution.
“There are certain types of vehicles that are suspicious. For instance, the Honda CR-V series, the Ford F-150, the Range Rover, and the Dodge Ram. These account for most of the stolen vehicles we recover. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag,” he warned.
Mr. Siamah further urged buyers to be wary of vehicles that appear “too new and accident-free,” particularly 2023 and 2024 models. Traditionally, he explained, the Ghanaian market has dealt mainly in salvaged or accident-damaged vehicles, making the sudden influx of spotless newer cars unusual.
“If you see a 2023 or 2024 model that is accident-free, it should be a red flag. You should go the extra step, for instance by checking with Interpol, to confirm whether the car has been reported stolen,” he advised.
While Honda, Ford, Range Rover, and Dodge vehicles dominate the list, EOCO says its investigations extend to other brands as well.
“We’ve also gone after Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not that we have a preference; it’s about what the investigations reveal,” Mr. Siamah clarified.
