The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, has been awarded for his outstanding leadership in Digital Transformation in Vehicle Licensing across Africa at the 4th Edition of the African Public Service Optimum Awards 2025 held last Thursday at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

The award recognises Mr. Kotey’s exceptional efforts in modernising and digitising Ghana’s vehicle licensing regime, setting a benchmark for public sector innovation across the continent. Under his stewardship, the Authority has rolled out major technology-driven reforms in 10 months to make its services more accessible, seamless and secure.

Key initiatives include nationwide community outreach and monthly lorry terminal services that bring licensing services directly to the public while reducing the influence of middlemen. The Authority also introduced the new DP (Driver from Port) sticker, which has drastically improved revenue assurance—moving from about 2,000 aluminum plates monthly to over 15,000 sticker issuances per month and the implementation of 24-hour service operations, starting with the Print Farm and Adentan Office. All regional offices are expected to operate 24/7 from January 2026.

DVLA plans to introduce new vehicle registration number plates embedded with advanced RFID technology in January 2026 to improve security, real-time verification and traceability. Other upcoming innovations include the soon-to-be-launched Demerit Point System.

These innovations significantly improved service efficiency, reduced turnaround time and strengthened compliance mechanisms which boost public confidence in the Authority’s operations. The transformation agenda has also positioned Ghana as a regional leader in smart mobility and public sector digitalisation.

In his remarks after receiving the award, Mr. Kotey dedicated the honour to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Transport, the DVLA Governing Board, and the staff of the Authority whose commitment continues to drive the DVLA’s transformation journey.

Organisers of the African Public Service Optimum Awards commended Mr. Kotey for championing a forward-looking vision that aligns with Africa’s digital public service agenda and contributes meaningfully to the continent’s governance reforms.

The African Public Service Optimum Awards celebrates institutions and individuals who demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact in public service delivery across the continent.