By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Dec. 4, GNA — Mr Kwasi Bona Otuo Srebour, Deputy Director for Vehicle Inspection and Registration at the Driver and Vehicle License Authority (DVLA) Head Office, has assured vehicle owners that the upcoming 2026 vehicle registration regime will not introduce cumbersome procedures but will enhance security, traceability and public safety.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Ho on Wednesday, he explained that the core registration process remained unchanged despite the introduction of new, technology-driven licence plates.
He said vehicle owners would still present their vehicles for inspection and provide valid identification for ownership verification.
”The process is the same. What changes is the end product, the licence plate,” he said.
Mr Srebour noted that the new plates, which come embedded with RFID chips, will replace the current aluminium plates that contain no verifiable information.
He said the upgraded plates would help address long-standing challenges in vehicle identification.
According to him, the new system will eliminate vehicles registered through unapproved means, improve traceability of vehicles and owners, ensure all vehicle activities are recorded electronically, enhance public safety and curb criminal activity involving fake plates
He emphasised that the new plates could only be issued through the DVLA’s digital system after proper registration and not transferable between vehicles.
“Once the system has not registered your vehicle, the plate cannot be issued. This stops individuals from manufacturing or transferring plates for unlawful purposes,” he added.
Mr Srebour also addressed concerns from commercial motor and tricycle riders, assuring them that amendments to existing transport laws had been completed and submitted to Parliament.
“We are patiently waiting for Parliament to pass the amendments so that commercial motorcyclists, tricycle and quadricycle riders can be issued appropriate permits and plates to operate legally,” he confirmed.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Samuel Stephen Okunor, Deputy Volta Regional Police Commander, described the initiative as critical to law enforcement, especially in hit-and-run and vehicle-related investigations.
He said the current manual processes at the DVLA often delayed investigations, but the new computerised system would greatly enhance the Police’s ability to identify vehicles and their owners quickly.
“In Europe and the US, the system is straightforward, you enter the vehicle registration number and everything appears. If a vehicle is stolen, it can be traced easily. This is a very good initiative for Ghana,” ACP Okunor stated.
He expressed hope that the DVLA would provide the Police with the necessary gadgets to access vehicle information promptly.
Some drivers and motor riders who spoke to the Ghana News Agency welcomed the new system, urging government to ensure consistent implementation without fear or favour to eliminate fraudulent practices among road users.
The engagement brought together representatives from driver unions, motorcycle associations, the MTTD, and other security agencies.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie