Report by Nana POKU
The Minister of Interior, Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has advised users of bullion vans to use bullion vans that meet the specifications of the Bank of Ghana and the ministry or stop their operations after the deadline.
The minister made this statement at a Press Conference to express his dismay at the wayward manner in which some financial and security agencies carry money in transit in unprescribed and make- shift bullion vehicles that have attracted attacks and robberies.
The minister recounted a series of attacks on these proscribed light- skinned vehicles culminating in deaths, injuries, and loss of large sums of money in the process.
He reiterated that Bank of Ghana has guidelines, safety standards in the acquisition, and the use and rehabilitation of these bullion cars, but the players in the industry have flagrantly flouted these safety measures with impunity.
Using light skinned vehicles to convey cash is a serious financial risk and a breach of the regulations and guidelines that his government takes a serious view of.
He announced that the government will be involved in the specifications, standards, licensing, and training of drivers of these vehicles.
According to him, some security firms in these businesses acquire the license to escort cash- in- transit and other jobs outside their specific job they applied for.
He further stressed that his outfit and all the industry players will ensure strict standards compliance to streamline the sector for lives and cash to be safe.
In this regard, the BOG, the Police, Financial Organizations, Ministry of Finance, National Security, and his Ministry are collaborating to enforce the strict compliance of the new directive.
He told the press that new guidelines have been brought out to the players in the industry, and those who disobey would not be spared.
The minister spelled out the new guidelines and the sanctions envisaged in the event that some of them are disobeyed.
