The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) last Friday marked one year in office with a press conference at its Head Office. The Chief Executive of DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, presented a comprehensive account of achievements, challenges and plans for the year ahead. Accounting for the Authority’s performance, the Chief Executive outlined several milestones achieved during the year under review.

He stated that the Authority successfully aligned its operations with government priorities, with a strong focus on road safety, digital transformation and 24-hour service delivery, underpinned by transparency, innovation and accountability. Among the major achievements were the introduction of 24-hour DVLA services, enhanced customer communication systems and SMS notifications to alert motorists on licence and roadworthiness renewals.

The Authority strengthened institutional service delivery through strategic partnerships, revenue-optimization measures and a comprehensive vehicle registration reform programme. Addressing longstanding operational challenges, Mr. Kotey announced the successful clearance of 444,000 driver’s licence backlogs, with an additional 77,659 new licences printed in 2025.

Staff and public welfare received renewed attention with the establishment of a modern staff canteen and skills development center for driving and riding instructors at the Head Office, alongside capacity-building initiatives for staff nationwide.

The Chief Executive further highlighted the expansion of ten (10) new DVLA offices nationwide, bringing services closer to the public in communities including Adentan, Bole, Dormaa, Bechem, Akwatia, Abuakwa, Asamankese, Dansoman, Ejisu (Bonwire) and North Dayi (Vakpo).

In the Savannah Region, DVLA expanded operational coverage, while regulatory interventions included CSR in Action, galamsey control measures, and the registration of 9,240 earth-moving machines at the Tema and Takoradi ports, aimed at strengthening tracking and curbing illegal mining.

Innovation remained central to the Authority’s reform agenda, with the completion of an in-house design of RFID-embedded smart number plates, reducing costs while enhancing security and traceability. In his opening remarks, Mr. Kotey described the past year as one marked by intense work, institutional reforms and a renewed commitment to service excellence. He stated:

“Today marks exactly one year since I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. It has been a year of intense work, significant milestones, and a collective commitment to excellence.” Mr. Kotey expressed gratitude to the Government for their support, policy direction and guidance in ensuring the Authority achieve its mandate.

Deputy Chief Executive, Services Mr. Foster Akwasi Asante, Esq. briefed the media on legal matters challenging the Authority’s new vehicle number plate system.

He explained that the Vehicle Embossment Manufacturers Association of Ghana (VEMAG) had taken legal action to stop the rollout of the Authority’s new vehicle registration number plate system, citing concerns over decisions to engage a single service provider and the potential impact on existing licenced embossers.

Mr. Asante assured the public that DVLA’s new system falls within the Authority’s statutory mandate and is designed to enhance vehicle traceability, improve regulatory compliance and boost road safety. He further noted that the Authority is working closely with legal counsel to ensure the reforms proceed within the framework of the law, while engaging affected stakeholders to address concerns.

The Press Conference was an opportunity to hand over a newly acquired Vehicle to DVLA Bole office in support of the Authority’s 24-hour economy service, reinforcing its commitment to round-the-clock operations, improved mobility for staff and efficient service delivery across all regions.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kotey outlined a strategic roadmap for 2026 aimed at transforming the DVLA into a world-class institution. Plans are underway to open additional DVLA offices in underserved regions, scale up 24-hour service delivery nationwide, and introduce instant driver’s licence issuance.

The Authority also intends to commission ultra-modern DVLA centres in Kasoa, Bantama, Adum, Teshie, Nungua and Jasikan, alongside the rollout of digital driver’s licences and expanded overseas licensing services for Ghanaians abroad. Other initiatives include upgraded test bays, simulator-based driver testing, a new intelligent driver licensing management system, and a redesigned driver’s licence card with enhanced security features.

Environmental sustainability will be prioritised through clean air initiatives, the phased removal of bitumen-based plates, strengthened driver education, improved commercial motor regulation, and the expansion of digital and cashless payment systems.

Mr. Kotey assured the public of management’s unwavering commitment to integrity, efficiency and continuous improvement, stressing that the DVLA is moving beyond routine service delivery to setting new benchmarks in public sector performance.

He concluded by noting that while significant progress has been made, the best is yet to come.