Mr John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Association of Bankers, has disclosed that Banks in Ghana have procured more than 60 armoured bullion vans to ensure safe carting of money and the protection of lives.
Mr John Awuah noted that these armoured bullion vans are special-purpose vehicles with siren, tracking devices, bullet resistant glass, and other protective features
“We have taken delivery of more than 60 armoured bullion vans as of June this year and a lot more of such security vehicles would be in the country by December.”
Mr John Awuah
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Association of Bankers also disclosed that the Banks, together with the Ghana Police Service, have also procured some armoured vests and ballistic helmets to ensure that officers who go on escort duties are fully armed in the required regalia.
“The security of cash movement and escort officers is a critical component of the business of banking. More so, despite the transition to digital financial services, the volume of cash transactions is extremely high. In that regard, the safety and security of cash is of prime importance to the industry.
“So, in the period where we recorded these unfortunate incidences, we commiserated with the people who were affected and worked actively with the Ghana Police to strategize on how to safely move cash from one point to another.”
Mr John Awuah
The Central Bank Steps in
Mr. John Awuah further indicated that the Central Bank stepped in to provide some temporary accommodation for the Banks, where they used the armoured bullion vans of the Bank of Ghana for major cash movement.
The CEO noted that the fizzling out of soft body vehicles with armoured vehicles had been a little slow because the procurement process of such highly security sensitive vehicles “is a painful process.”
“We’re a region of Africa, which is quite unstable, therefore, the Police and National Security are interested in who is using the van, for what purpose, and there must be a contract.”
Mr John Awuah
On the issue of Military Officers escorting cash-in-transit vehicles, the CEO explained that it became necessary to boost security and prevent the recurrence of attacks, and as such, some Banks made such arrangements.
“At the height of the attacks, we wanted to have more boots on the grounds and at the time the Police were also undertaking some internal exercises for promotion, which limited the number of Police people that were available.”
Mr John Awuah
In recent times, Ghana has been recording bullion van attacks, and in two of the cases, the police officers escorting the van lost their lives, while in another incident, a 35-year-old lady was killed.
Given the happenings, the procurement of these vans are timely and will go a long way to save lives and money.
