The directive requiring banks to purchase armoured bullion vans has been in effect for nearly two months. The directive comes after a string of robberies targeting transited vans carrying cash, which resulted in the deaths of several Ghanaians.
So, how well have these directives been followed?
There have been a number of robberies across the country in the last two years that have targeted bullion vans transporting cash. Among them was the robbery at Adedenkpo near James Town in Accra, which resulted in the death of one police officer on board. An onlooker was also killed.
The most recent robbery attack occurred in the North Industrial Area, where police foiled an attempted robbery on a bullion van.
Following these attacks, the police issued a statement stating that until banks obtain bulletproof vehicles, officers of the service will not accompany bullion vans in transit.
The series of attacks also compelled the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, to issue a directive to all banks to acquire armoured vehicles or risk being sanctioned, which includes prohibiting the banks from transporting cash in ‘improvised pick-up bullion vans.’
The directive’s deadline expired in June 2021, but it was extended to July 2022.
The Bank of Ghana, BOG, issued a similar directive to compel banks to comply.
However, information available to 3news.com indicates that banks have reluctantly failed to comply with these directives.
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When this reporter went out on the streets of Accra to ask Ghanaians if they had seen any of these armoured vans, many said no.
“The event of the last attack in this town is still fresh on my mind,” said Kwame Owusu, a resident of James Town. I witnessed my mother fleeing for her life and another woman dying. I would not wish it on any other community because it was terrifying. I’ve never seen a bank transport cash in so-called armoured vehicles. “I only see blue vans from the Bank of Ghana moving around with police escorts,” he explained.
“I am surprised that suddenly this conversation has died and no one is talking about it,” said another resident, Naa Ashokor Ashley. Banks are insensitive.” He stated this.
Adib Saani, a security and foreign policy analyst, has called for punitive measures against banks that have yet to comply with the directive. He stated that the sector agency (Ministry of Interior) and banks are not taking Ghanaians’ concerns seriously.
“I believe that banks must prioritise human lives. I hear the banks have purchased 60 of these armoured vans, but that is woefully inadequate because, in addition to the big cities, we have banks transiting cash in rural areas, and I can assure you that the 60 vans are not even enough to service the big cities.”
The Interior Minister must crack the whip by instituting punitive measures to deter other banks from failing to comply. The Bank of Ghana may also decide that banks without vans will be barred from transporting cash in the future.” He was enraged.
However, John Awuah, President of the Association of Bankers, is optimistic about his members’ compliance. He stated that talks have been held between the Ministry of Interior and the operators of the bullion vans to purchase additional vehicles. He also confirmed that 60 of these vans had been purchased and that the banks planned to purchase more.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Bullion Van Operators of Ghana stated that they initially encountered procedural issues with the ministry, which have since been resolved.
Alhaji Iddi Sumaila, the association’s president, told this reporter over the phone that 400 bullion vans are expected in the country by the end of December.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Interior for resolving all of the thorny issues concerning standardisation and procurement procedures. He stated that certification was granted following a series of meetings, and that there are more armoured bullion vans at the ports, as well as many more in Dubai, awaiting a “green light” from the banks to go ahead and clear them.
However, the Interior Ministry has yet to comment on the directives’ violations and the resulting sanctions.
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