Ghana’s punitive restrictions on the importation of vehicles over 10 years old are not just misguided; they are economically destructive, scientifically baseless, and hypocritical.

The assumption that older vehicles are inherently unsafe or more accident-prone is not supported by credible global data. Worse, the policy fails to address the real dangers on our roads while suffocating the vintage and classic car industry, which has significant economic potential.

A Policy built on false assumptions

The government’s justification for the ban hinges on the claim that older vehicles are more likely to cause accidents. Yet, there is no global consensus or empirical evidence proving that vehicle age alone determines roadworthiness.

A poorly maintained 5-year-old Toyota Vitz with a patched-up salvage title poses a far greater risk than a well-maintained 15-year-old Mercedes-Benz with full service records. The real issue is vehicle condition, not age, yet the law ignores this reality.

Instead of targeting age, Ghana should implement strict mechanical and safety inspections for all imported vehicles, regardless of year.

Countries like the UK and Japan conduct rigorous roadworthiness tests (MOT and Shaken, respectively) that ensure even older cars meet safety standards. Why can’t Ghana adopt a similar system rather than an arbitrary age cutoff?

The Hypocrisy of banning old cars but allowing old parts

The most glaring contradiction in this policy is that while Ghana heavily penalises the importation of fully assembled older vehicles, it freely allows the importation of used spare parts from the same aged vehicles, often without any safety checks.

This means:

* A 2010 BMW in good condition cannot be imported without exorbitant penalties

* Yet, a 2010 BMW engine, transmission, or suspension parts can be imported cheaply, installed by local mechanics (with low skills), and used to keep unsafe vehicles on the road.

Where is the logic? A car assembled at the factory with original parts is deemed “unsafe,” but the same parts, stripped and reassembled in Ghana, are somehow acceptable? This inconsistency exposes the policy as nothing more than revenue-driven rather than safety-driven.

Killing the Vintage Car Industry and lost revenue

Ghana has a budding classic and vintage car culture that could boost tourism, auto restoration businesses, and skilled employment. Enthusiasts and entrepreneurs are being stifled by these restrictions, while neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire benefit from a more open market.

Instead of banning old cars, Ghana could generate more revenue by;

* Introducing a flat environmental levy (for example, \$2,000) on older vehicles

* Mandating comprehensive inspections for roadworthiness

* Charging standard duties without arbitrary penalties

If properly structured, this could generate an additional \$40 million annually, far more than what the current penalties yield, while keeping safer, well-maintained vehicles on the road.

A Better Way Forward

1. Replace the age ban with strict inspections. All imported vehicles, regardless of age, should pass rigorous mechanical and emissions tests

2. Standardise environmental levies. A flat fee for older vehicles is fairer than disproportionate penalties

3. Encourage economic opportunities. Support the vintage car industry, which can create jobs in restoration and tourism

4. Close the spare parts loophole. If old cars are “unsafe,” then their parts should face similar scrutiny

The current policy is not making Ghana’s roads safer. It’s only making them poorer. It’s time for a smarter, data-driven approach that prioritises real safety over arbitrary restrictions. The government must rethink this warped logic before more economic potential is lost.

Enough with the hypocrisy. Let’s fix what’s really broken.