SUVs, Saloon cars, Briefcases: List of things banned by the AFRC under JJ Rawlings in 1979

A new document showing some of the decrees put in place by the military ruler before he handed over power to Dr. Hilla Limann in September 1979 shows that the leader instituted certain things aimed at reducing the cost of spending undertaken by governments.

These included the banning of some things, including the insistence that some specific things, for instance, vehicles be bought to be used in the country.

The list was shared on Twitter by the Vice President of Imani Africa, Bright Simmons, and GhanaWeb reproduces the transcribed version below for your reading:

Brief Case Businessmen

They also parade the business and commercial houses with false credentials and by so doing prevent goods and services from passing through genuine hands.

The Armed Forces and Politics Takoradi

(2) Datsun 120Y, 140J, 160J &1500 Pick-up

(3) Volkswagen Golf (1300 ec)

Buses above 33-Seater

The approved types are Leyland, Willowbrook, Neoplan and Tata.

Mercedes Benz and Mack trucks are approved for use inter se by the State Housing Corporation and the Cocoa Council.

The AFRC warned that all vehicles, trucks and buses not specifically mentioned would be confiscated to the state unless it could be proved that they were shipped on or before September 18, 1979.

All existing vehicles being operated in Ghana would have spare parts backing for the next ten years after which they would be phased out.

The short-lived revolutionary govt in Ghana, birthed on 4th June 1979, made some peculiar decrees before exiting in Sept, such as:
1. Banning all SUV & saloon cars except for 6 exempted brands &
2. Banning all “brief-case” business people running companies without offices. pic.twitter.com/35cULiNRF4

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) June 4, 2022