A Vehicle Verification and History Recording System

Mobility is a fundamental human need, leading to the development of various means of transportation, including vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. Among these, road transport—particularly vehicles—plays a crucial role in daily movement. In Ghana, vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation, making the automobile market a significant and growing industry.

The Ghanaian vehicle market also experienced a 14.7% growth, reaching 5,000 sales, with positive performance recorded each month of the year [2].

According to Wikipedia, a used car (pre-owned or second hand vehicle) is a vehicle that has previously had one or more retail owners. Due to their affordability, most people in Ghana prefer purchasing used vehicles rather than brand-new ones. These vehicles are not only used for private purposes but also serve as commercial transport, such as trotros (minibuses) and taxis. As a result, buyers must exercise caution when purchasing a used vehicle to avoid acquiring one with potential mechanical or operational problems.

However, evaluating the condition of a used vehicle can be particularly challenging for buyers without a technical background. In the local used-car market, assessments are primarily based on metrics such as mileage, engine health, and exterior and interior condition. While these factors provide some insight into a vehicle's state, they are not always reliable indicators of its overall safety and roadworthiness, as they can be easily manipulated.

The reliability of these assessment metrics is questionable. For instance, evaluating a vehicle solely based on its exterior and interior condition is often misleading, as underlying mechanical issues or structural damage may be concealed. Similarly, odometer readings can be tampered with to display lower mileage, giving buyers a false impression of the vehicle's actual wear and tear. Accident histories are often untraceable, particularly if a vehicle has been repaired at an uncertified mechanic workshop, which is common in Ghana. There are no standardized systems in place for verifying whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen in the country which poses a significant risk to buyers.

The general objective of this project is to develop a digital user-friendly system that enhances transparency and ensures the authenticity of used car purchases. Additionally, the system will provide a comprehensive database and user-friendly interface to help authorities track and maintain records of vehicles reported as stolen.