DVLA Boss Shares Design of New Number Plates: “A Significant Step Forward”

• The Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority CEO has showcased the new design for number plates in Ghana
• The government is planning sweeping reforms in the vehicle registration system, such as enhanced tracking
• The CEO of the licensing authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, said the new design would be subject to change

The CEO of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority has unveiled the design of the new number plates set to be introduced in 2026.

Julius Neequaye Kotey has said these changes are part of sweeping reforms in the country's vehicle registration system.

In a statement, the CEO called these developments a significant step forward for vehicle regulation.

"The new plates will be equipped with RFID technology and other features to modernise vehicle management and improve road safety."

Among expected benefits, Kotey said the new plates would prevent smuggling, improve tracking, help with future automated toll collection, and make for easier identification.

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The new plates will be reflective for enhanced visibility and have some form of digital integration.

"By linking the plates to a central database, the entire vehicle registration and licensing process becomes more modern and efficient, cutting down on human error and fraudulent activities."

"These changes are aimed at creating a more secure, transparent, and effective vehicle management system, benefiting both vehicle owners and the public."

Kotey concluded by noting that the new design is subject to further modifications.

The Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority is also considering introducing a special number plate for individuals who fail to register their cars within the stipulated two weeks.

These plates are expected to come at a premium cost.

The authority will phase out the practice of placing the year of manufacture at the end of number plates. Beginning January 1, 2026, number plates will instead feature a regional code at the top and an area code at the end.

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“For instance, a plate will read GR 222 AD, with AD representing Adenta. We have completed all the legal groundwork and intend to roll this out on the first of January,” Kotey said earlier.

EOCO flags top vehicles smuggled into Ghana

The Economic and Organised Crime Office has identified Honda CR-Vs, Ford F-150s, Range Rovers, and Dodge as models commonly smuggled into Ghana.

The office has urged buyers to investigate vehicles, especially new or spotless models, for potential theft. It is using Interpol's database for vehicle verification.

It uses a range of methods to crack down on stolen vehicles being illegally moved into Ghana.

The recent detention of Shatta Wale has heightened concerns about stolen cars for sale in Ghana.

Clinical associate's reaction to the initiation

In an interaction with YEN.com.gh, a clinical associate, Elliot Torgbor, who also deals in automobiles, shared his view on the pending initiative. He explained that the move would not favour car dealers, especially when it comes to clarifying the registration date to buyers.

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He said:

"It will be a difficult situation for car dealers. I will now have to explain everything with documents instead of the buyer simply checking and knowing the exact year and car model they want before approaching me. It’s like seeing an iPhone with three cameras and asking whether it’s an iPhone 13 or 16. You need to know exactly whether it’s an XR or an 11 Pro before later finding out if it’s locked or unlocked."

US intercepts stolen cars headed for Ghana

In July, YEN.com.gh reported that US Customs and Border Protection officials foiled an attempt to smuggle stolen vehicles to Ghana.

The officials at the Port of Virginia stopped the shipment, valued at approximately $150,000, in yet another interception effort.

The manifest indicated the shipment contained several cars but an X-ray scan showed the cars inside did not match the manifest.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh