Where to buy car parts
- Abossey Okai, Accra. The main place to buy parts in person in the capital. Shops import and distribute parts for Japanese, Korean, European and American vehicles, and the market supplies mechanics across Ghana and beyond.
- Suame Magazine, Kumasi. A large cluster of artisans, parts sellers and workshops, where repair, rebuilding and second-hand parts sit side by side.
- Online classifieds and dealers also list parts; check that the seller is identified before paying anything in advance.
Buy the right part first time
- Give your VIN. The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number identifies the exact version of your car: engine, gearbox, market. Read it on your registration document or at the bottom of the windscreen. Our free VIN decoder checks it in seconds.
- Get the original (OE) part number if you can: from the old part, a dealer or a catalogue. Brands like Bosch, Denso, TRW or Mann-Filter publish their equivalents to OE numbers.
- Compare like with like: brand, condition (genuine, quality aftermarket, used), warranty and delivery time, not just price.
- For safety parts (brakes, steering, suspension, tyres), choose genuine or a quality brand, never an unknown copy.
Finding a good mechanic
Ask for a diagnosis before any part is bought, a written quote before work starts, and your old parts back. For recent cars, choose a workshop with a diagnostic scanner. A good mechanic tells you what is urgent and what can wait.
Heat, dust and rain
The harmattan brings dust in the dry season, and the rainy seasons test brakes, tyres and electrics. Check your air filter, coolant, battery and tyre pressures more often than the service book suggests.
Road safety in Ghana
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) leads road safety policy, while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) handles driver testing, licensing, vehicle inspection and registration. According to the WHO, a correctly worn helmet reduces the risk of death in a crash by more than six times, and a seat-belt reduces the risk of death for vehicle occupants by up to 50%. Buckle up, slow down, and keep the phone away while driving.
piec'oto in Ghana
The piec'oto app currently operates in Senegal, in French. The VIN decoder on this site is free and works for vehicles in Ghana and anywhere else.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the VIN on a car?
On the registration document, at the bottom of the windscreen on the driver’s side, on the driver’s door pillar, and stamped on the body or chassis. All should match.
Is a used part from Suame Magazine reliable?
It can be, for body parts, engines or gearboxes tested in front of you. Avoid used wear and safety parts (brake pads, discs, shock absorbers, steering joints).