DVLA Boss Shares Design of New Number Plates: “A Significant Step Forward”
- The Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority CEO had showcased the new design for number plates
- The government is planning sweeping reforms in Ghana’s vehicle registration system, including enhanced tracking technology
- The CEO of the authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, said the new design will be subject to change
The CEO of the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, has unveiled the design of the new number plates set to be introduced in 2026.
Kotey has said these changes are part of sweeping reforms in the vehicle registration system.
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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 will prevent smuggling, improve tracking, help with future automated toll collection and easier identification.
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.
“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 vehicle models 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.
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It uses a range of methods to crack down on stolen vehicles being illegally moved into Ghana.
The recent detention of Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale has heightened concerns about stolen cars for sale in Ghana.
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 stopped the shipment valued at approximately $150,000 at the Port of Virginia.
The manifest indicated the shipment contained several cars, including a Lincoln from the 1990s, but an X-ray scan showed the cars inside did not match the manifest.
As of July 2025, officials at the Port of Virginia had intercepted stolen vehicles worth $6.5 million.
Source: YEN.com.gh
