The forecourt of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) Head Office was transformed into a scene of warmth, reflection and celebration on Tuesday night as staff, Management, Board members and guests gathered for the Authority’s 7th Annual Carols Service and Awards Ceremony.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Ms. Mutia Ahmed, a Manager in the Legal Department, as the Authority’s National Best Staff for 2024. The honour, which attracted applause from colleagues across the country, recognised her exceptional dedication, professionalism and consistent excellence in service delivery, reflecting the core values of the Authority.

Ms. Ahmed, Manager, Legal (Compliance), is an accomplished attorney who has served with the Authority since 2016. She brings extensive expertise in legal practice, regulatory compliance and governance and was called to the Bar in Ghana and New York. She holds an LLM in Technology, Law and Policy from Georgetown University, an MBA and is a Certified Information Privacy Manager (IAPP). Widely respected for her leadership in data protection and governance, Ms. Ahmed has played a key role in strengthening the Authority’s compliance frameworks and internal controls, ensuring sustained alignment with regulatory and ethical standards.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive of DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, underscored the central role of staff in the Authority’s progress, noting that people ultimately drive institutional reforms and achievements. “Tonight, we celebrate our people who are the true heartbeat of this institution,” he said, adding that DVLA’s accomplishments over the year were built on the quiet sacrifices, integrity and commitment of staff nationwide.

Mr. Kotey indicated that recognising staff excellence remains a cornerstone of DVLA’s culture. “Service excellence is never the achievement of a few; it is always the outcome of collective dedication and teamwork.” He encouraged the staff to remain committed as the Authority advances its vision of becoming a world-class public service institution.

In addition to the National Best Staff award, the Chief Executive’s Special Awards were presented to Mr. Prosper Kafui Semevo, Director, Driver, Training, Testing and Licensing (DTTL); Mr. Paul Ampadu, Director, Finance; Mr. Kwasi Bona Otuo Srebour, Acting Deputy Director, Vehicle, Inspection and Registration (VIR); and Mr. Edmond Sibiri Kardiri, Acting Deputy Director, Legal, for their outstanding contributions and commitment beyond the call of duty.

On his part, the Board Chairman of the Authority, Mr. George Spencer Quaye, commended Management and staff for their resilience, professionalism and teamwork, describing the Authority’s progress over the past year as the result of collective effort and shared purpose.

Reflecting on his first year as Board Chairman, he acknowledged the challenges of driving reforms and noted that DVLA had made notable gains in governance, digital transformation and service delivery.

Mr. Quaye touched on the planned rollout of the new vehicle registration number plate system as a critical national milestone and urged staff to demonstrate commitment, discipline and ownership to ensure its successful implementation.

He assured staff that their welfare remain paramount to the Board and for that matter efforts would be tailored at ensuring a motivated staff for the transformational agenda of the Authority.