The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
(DVLA) officially launched its National Community Outreach initiative in Accra
to improve public access to its services while deepening awareness of road
safety and regulatory compliance.
The initiative combines public education, road safety and licensing regulations with on-the-spot DVLA services, including the issuance, renewal and replacement of driver’s licence.
The outreach would
span selected regions across the country with targeted engagement at lorry
stations, corporate institutions, religious organisations, and other interested
groups.
The initiative was on the theme, “Educating
for a safer tomorrow”.
Speaking at the launch held at the Neoplan
Lorry Station in Accra, the Chief Executive of the DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye
Kotey, said previous initiatives of the DVLA, such as the mobile service and
test drive initiatives, had enhanced its service delivery.
He also noted that the introduction of a new
Drive from Port (DP) sticker with enhanced security features would replace the
old DP plates to help modernise the operations of the DVLA, enhance revenue
generation, and help address the issue of intermediaries or middlemen who
exploit customers.
Mr Kotey said that the National Community
Outreach initiative would place a special focus on underserved and remote
communities while ensuring equitable access to DVLA services for all Ghanaians.
He added that the DVLA was committed to
working with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework for ‘Okada’
riders to operate safely and efficiently while creating economic opportunities
for themselves and their families.
On his part, the Paramount Chief of Abola, Nii
Ahene NunooIII, who represented the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II,
said the National Community Outreach initiative highlighted the importance of
public-centred approach in addressing road safety issues.
He said he was pleased with the collaboration
that existed between the DVLA and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, Nii Ahene Nunoo III encouraged
drivers, vehicle owners, and the general public to engage with the initiatives
and reforms of the DVLA to enhance road safety in the country.
Also, he pleaded with the DVLA to ensure that
motorcycle riders were educated on road safety regulations and compliance to
help reduce road crashes.
In his
welcome address, the Deputy Chief Executive, Services, DVLA, Foster Akwasi
Asante, Esq. indicated DVLA was committed to decentralising its services and
addressing issues of driver education.
He thanked King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II for his
continued support of the initiatives of the DVLA and road safety issues in the
country.
The stakeholders at the event, including
representatives of security agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana
National Fire Service, the Ghana Ambulance Service, and the National Road
Safety Authority, pledged their support to the year-long initiative.
Drivers at the Neoplan lorry station were provided
with road safety tips to enhance road safety in the country.