Senchi: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has urged residents of Asuogyaman to make full use of the newly commissioned Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office at Senchi and to avoid using intermediaries known as 'Goroboys'. He emphasized that with the new facility, residents no longer need to travel to Somanya or Koforidua for DVLA services, as the office now offers vehicle registration and driver licensing services close to home.
According to Ghana Web, the DVLA inaugurated its first office in the Asuogyaman District on Friday, August 14, 2026. As part of the launch, Asuogyaman MP Thomas Nyarko Ampem sponsored the acquisition and renewal of driving licenses for 500 qualified drivers and motor riders in the district. This office is the 25th of 40 new district offices that the Authority plans to establish nationwide by the end of 2026, aiming to decentralize operations and improve access to driver licensing and vehicle registration services.
Minister Nikpe highlighted that the decentralization initiative also aims to enhance road safety by making driver education, licensing, and professional training more accessible. He announced a new collaboration with the Ghana Police Service to introduce Traffic Tech, a technology-based system designed to detect road offenses such as speeding. Additionally, plans are underway to implement new vehicle number plates embedded with SIM technology to aid law enforcement in monitoring vehicles and boosting road safety.
On the topic of commercial motorcycle operations, Nikpe stated that the government is prioritizing adequate education and training before fully implementing the amended policy that allows motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles to conduct commercial activities. He encouraged potential commercial motorcycle riders to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport, DVLA, National Road Safety Authority, and the Ghana Police Service to foster discipline and safety on the roads.
Nikpe also warned residents against using intermediaries for vehicle registration or license renewals, advising them to directly engage with the DVLA office staff for assistance. He noted that local employees are available to help residents navigate and complete the necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye announced that the Authority's new vehicle-cloning detection technology had identified and seized around 200 cloned vehicles in just six weeks. This technology enables the DVLA to verify vehicle chassis numbers directly with manufacturers, preventing the registration of cloned vehicles. Neequaye also revealed plans to introduce biometric international driving licenses and decentralize the printing of driving licenses to district offices to minimize delays. Additionally, the DVLA is expanding its cashless payment system to enhance efficiency and transparency in its operations.
Asuogyaman MP Thomas Nyarko Ampem expressed that the new office would alleviate the challenges faced by residents, drivers, and vehicle owners who previously had to leave the district for DVLA services. As a gesture of support, Ampem covered the license acquisition and renewal fees for 500 qualified drivers and motor riders in the district.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey praised Ampem for his contributions to development initiatives in Asuogyaman, noting ongoing investments in roads, health, education, and economic empowerment. The commissioning event attracted members of the public, Okada riders, commercial drivers, traditional leaders, political figures, and other stakeholders. The opening of the Senchi office is expected to significantly improve access to driver licensing and vehicle registration services for Asuogyaman residents, supporting the DVLA's broader decentralization and road safety objectives.