The Commercial Division of the High Court has awarded GHs250,000 in damages against Zonda Tec Ghana Limited for breaching a warranty agreement in the sale of a defective truck.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Francis Obiri, arose from a suit filed by Tony Afoakwa, who purchased a brand-new Forland 12-tonne light truck from the company.

The case, titled Tony Afoakwa v. Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd [TLP-HC-2025-09], was decided on April 10, 2025.

In its judgment, the court found that the truck failed to meet the expected standard and purpose for which it was purchased, after developing serious engine faults within three months—well within the six-month warranty period provided by the company.

Justice Obiri held that Zonda Tec Ghana had breached its warranty obligations and ordered the company to repair and replace all faulty engine components within three months.

In addition, the court extended the warranty on the vehicle to three years following the completion of repairs.

The court dismissed claims by the defendant that modifications made by the plaintiff—specifically the construction of a bucket at the rear of the truck—caused the damage.

It also rejected allegations that overloading contributed to the engine failure, noting that no evidence was provided to support the claim.

According to the court, such arguments were “inconsequential” and insufficient to explain the breakdown of a brand-new vehicle within such a short period.

The ruling emphasized that the truck, as sold, did not meet acceptable quality standards, reinforcing the plaintiff’s case that the product was defective at the point of sale.

The decision is being seen as a significant affirmation of consumer protection principles, particularly in relation to warranty enforcement and product quality in Ghana’s commercial sector.