The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has flagged Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150 pickups, Range Rovers, and Dodge models as the most common vehicles linked to stolen car trafficking into Ghana.

According to Interpol, Ghana has increasingly become a hotspot for stolen vehicles, especially those trafficked from Canada and the United States. EOCO’s recent operations confirm that these four brands account for the majority of intercepted cases in the country.

High-Risk Vehicles on Ghana’s Market

Speaking on Joy News TV, the Head of EOCO’s Legal Unit, Leo Anthony Siamah, cautioned Ghanaians—particularly prospective car buyers—to exercise vigilance when purchasing these models.

“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 are four brands that are very high in terms of the number of stolen vehicles we recover. Most of them happen to be these vehicles. So, obviously, if you are going to purchase one of those vehicles, that should be a red flag for you,” he said.

Red Flags for Buyers: What to Look Out For

Mr. Siamah advised potential buyers to be especially cautious of new, accident-free vehicles, particularly 2023 and 2024 models. Ghana’s auto market is traditionally dominated by salvaged or accident-damaged cars. Thus, a sudden influx of spotless, newer cars is a major warning sign.

“If you look at one of those vehicles that was recently released, maybe a 2023 or 2024 model, which is accident-free, it should be a red flag for you. That should point you to doing extra checks—for instance, go to Interpol to find out whether or not that car’s status is stolen,” he explained.

Other Brands Also at Risk

While Honda CR-Vs, Range Rovers, Ford F-150s, and Dodge Rams top EOCO’s watchlist, the agency emphasized that no brand is completely immune.

“Would you go after a Toyota Corolla, for instance? Yes. We’ve gone after a couple of Toyota Highlanders and Honda Accords. So, it’s not like we have a preference,” Mr. Siamah clarified.

EOCO’s Advice: Verify Before You Buy

EOCO is urging Ghanaians to make use of Interpol’s stolen vehicle database and other verification systems before purchasing cars. Conducting due diligence, the agency says, is the best safeguard against unknowingly buying a stolen vehicle.

The office also warned that unsuspecting buyers who purchase stolen vehicles risk losing their cars during enforcement operations, since stolen vehicles are subject to recovery and repatriation.