Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a strong warning to chiefs who use their chieftaincy crests instead of official registration plates on their vehicles.
Speaking at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs meeting in Dodowa on February 26, 2025, he highlighted the significant security risks posed by this practice. “If such a vehicle is stolen and used for a crime, it would be nearly impossible to trace,” he explained.
Minister Mohammed-Mubarak pointed out that even high-ranking officials, such as the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and Chief Justice, ensure their vehicles display valid registration numbers.
He urged chiefs to follow suit, offering the option to obtain customized registration plates for a special fee. “We are in the first quarter, and I urge you all to register any unregistered vehicles now,” he said.
The minister has set a deadline for the end of the first quarter for chiefs to register their vehicles, warning that strict enforcement will follow without exceptions.
“Once enforcement begins, I do not want to be in a position where I have to instruct law enforcement to impound a chief’s vehicle. That would be unfortunate, but if necessary, the law will be enforced,” he cautioned.
Minister Mohammed-Mubarak plans to visit all 16 regions to engage traditional leaders on this issue, stressing the importance of compliance to avoid unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement. He also encouraged the Regional Houses of Chiefs to ensure their members register their vehicles before the deadline.
