Sunyani: Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), has urged stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the new license plate regime. He emphasized that this initiative represents a significant change in the nation's vehicle identification system, aimed at enhancing road safety and security.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Kotey made this appeal during his address at the 2026 mid-review conference on the DVLA in Sunyani. The conference, themed 'Transforming DVLA for a digitally driven and efficient 24-hour service culture', highlighted the strategic steps being taken to improve the authority's services. Mr Kotey announced that a sod-cutting ceremony had been held to mark the start of construction for a new number plate manufacturing center at the DVLA's Narhman office.
Mr Kotey elaborated on the Authority's commitment to controlling the production and embossment of new license plates to prevent the proliferation of counterfeit vehicle number plates. He noted that the presence of fake plates undermines the objectives of the new regime and praised the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates as a measure to combat this issue.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which repeals L.I. 2180, establishes the legal framework for the new number plate regime, Mr Kotey stated. He explained that Regulations 10 to 22 of the new LI specify the various types of number plates that will be introduced starting January 2027.
In addition to the regulatory framework, Mr Kotey highlighted that the DVLA has initiated public education efforts to inform the public about the new number plates, their features, and the different categories available. He revealed that cloning detectors deployed by the Authority have led to the impoundment of approximately 230 vehicles within three months of the regime's implementation.
Mr Kotey also addressed the issue of vehicles operating without paying the necessary duties, stating that all vehicles will undergo verification before receiving new number plates during the transition. Enforcement efforts have been intensified by the DVLA to eliminate fake and unauthorized number plates, resulting in the seizure of about 30,000 vehicle number plates.
Mr George Okyere, the Bono Regional Manager of the DVLA, reiterated the importance of the transport sector to the economy. He remarked that the DVLA's responsibilities impact everyone, from drivers and fleet owners to individuals seeking driver's licenses and vehicle registration. 'Our efficiency directly impacts national development, road safety, and the trust of citizens,' he added.