The Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) has dissociated itself from ongoing reports surrounding the alleged import and sale of stolen vehicles in the country.

This follows concerns on the rising reports on alleged import and sale of stolen vehicles in the country. Dancehall Artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known Shatta Wale was recently released from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after being interrogated in connection with a luxury Lamborghini Urus linked to a $4 million fraud case currently under investigation by U.S. authorities.

Shatta Wale, who claimed to have bought the Lamborghini “off the street” from someone possibly named “ZAK,” has not provided any formal documentation confirming ownership, apart from a customs declaration linked to Amuah.

EOCO has also identified Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge vehicles as the most frequently intercepted brands in its operations targeting stolen cars trafficked into Ghana.

The agency’s findings follow ongoing collaborations with international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, which has previously classified Ghana as a growing destination for stolen vehicles, particularly from North America.

In a statement signed and issued by President General Bernard Ntrekwah on Monday, August 25, VADUG expressed deep concern about the rising trend and its potential impact on Ghana’s international image and the second-hand automobile industry at large.

“As direct stakeholders of the sector, we deem it a national duty to express our desire to collaborate in finding lasting solutions to this unfortunate situation,” the statement read.

The Union stressed that it promotes best practices among its members, ensuring strict adherence to proper procedures in the acquisition, transportation, and sale of vehicles.

VADUG firmly stated that it distances itself from any individual or garage implicated in the illegal trade of stolen vehicles.

“We disassociate ourselves from any person or garage who is labelled as a car dealer or found culpable of this global menace,” the Union declared, while pledging full cooperation with anti-corruption and investigative agencies working to curb the problem.

VADUG also called on government agencies stationed at Ghana’s ports and border entry points to act with utmost professionalism in detecting and preventing such illegal imports.

In a broader appeal, the Union announced its readiness to support a national collaboration and inter-agency consultation aimed at educating the public on proper procedures and best practices within the automobile sector.

The statement concluded with a call for support from regulatory agencies, urging them to assist the Union in safeguarding the integrity of the automotive trade in Ghana.