The Vehicle and Asset Dealers Association of Ghana (VADUG) has pushed back against growing public perceptions that its members are complicit in the sale of stolen cars.
This comes on the back of intensified operations by security agencies this year, which have targeted stolen vehicles circulating on the Ghanaian market.
According to VADUG, while the clampdown is within the mandate of law enforcement, the trend is beginning to affect the business of legitimate dealers.
General Secretary of the Association, Clifford Ansu, told Citi Business News that the stigma is undermining consumer trust.
“How people perceive the car dealers as being the agents of the stolen vehicles is not the best. We are not into selling stolen vehicles,” he stressed.
“When someone is coming to buy something from you and the person hears that the cars these guys are selling are stolen vehicles, there is no way that the person will even come [and make a purchase],” Ansu added.
He urged both the public and dealers to exercise due diligence when purchasing or importing vehicles to help address the issue.
“Go to a very recognized garage knowing very well that where you are buying the vehicle, the people are always there then you can do business with them.
“I am not saying if you buy vehicles online, it is wrong. When you see the thing online, trace the person, go to a particular garage knowing well that this is where I can find this person,” Ansu advised.
In recent months, security agencies have stepped up efforts to curb the trafficking of stolen vehicles into Ghana.
In August, the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Department announced the recovery of 43 high-value luxury cars between January and July 2025.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has also flagged Range Rovers, Dodge models, and other luxury vehicles as among the most intercepted during its operations.
EOCO’s findings, drawn from collaborations with Interpol and other international bodies, highlight Ghana’s growing profile as a destination for stolen cars, particularly from North America.
