The Two Red Flags You Can't Ignore When Buying a Used Car

Accra,Ghana,August 24,2025 – Inusah Fuseini, a seasoned lawyer and former Roads and Highways Minister, is urging Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution when buying used cars, emphasizing the importance of spare keys and verified ownership documents.

Fuseini warns that failure to do so could leave buyers vulnerable to stolen vehicles and serious legal entanglements, a concern that is especially pertinent given the recent surge in car thefts.

The private legal practitioner in a conversation on Joy News highlighted two major red flags that buyers should watch out for when purchasing used cars: missing titles and incomplete sets of keys. "The title is crucial, it shows the rightful owner, whether the vehicle was sold by auction or transfer. Without it, you are at risk," he cautioned. 

Additionally, if only one key is provided while another remains with the previous owner, Fuseini warned that this should raise suspicions that the rightful owner can easily track and reclaim the vehicle.

Fuseini emphasized the importance of verification in ensuring that the vehicle is not stolen. He further explained that criminals often exploit the time gap between a theft report abroad and shipment into Ghana, enabling stolen vehicles to slip through ports with legitimate-looking documents. "Once duties are paid and shipment papers appear genuine, the authorities are satisfied. That is why it is vital for individuals to take verification seriously," he stressed.

Fuseini's warning comes amid growing concerns over an influx of stolen vehicles into Ghana, fueling an underground market across the sub-region. Authorities have raised concerns about the increasing number of stolen vehicles entering the country, and Fuseini's caution serves as a timely reminder to buyers to be vigilant.

To protect themselves, the legal practitioner urged buyers to conduct thorough due diligence when purchasing used cars. This includes verifying ownership documents and ensuring that the vehicle comes with a complete set of keys. "You cannot just assume you are safe. The law will not protect you if it turns out to be stolen," he added.

Source – Lead News Online