The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has opened 29 new offices across Ghana within the past 18 months, bringing its nationwide network to 62 offices as part of efforts to improve access to public services and modernise driver licensing and vehicle registration. Editorial Standards
Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the development during the opening session of the Authority’s 2026 mid-year review conference in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The conference was held under the theme, “Transforming DVLA for a Digitally Driven and Efficient 24-Hour Service Culture.”
According to Mr Kotey, the expansion reflects the Authority’s commitment to bringing government services closer to residents, particularly those who previously had to travel considerable distances to complete licensing and registration procedures.
He explained that 17 of the 29 newly established offices were developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, demonstrating the role of collaboration in expanding the Authority’s infrastructure.
The expansion forms part of a broader strategy to improve customer experience, reduce congestion at existing facilities and strengthen the delivery of essential transport-related services.
By establishing offices in more communities, the DVLA aims to make it easier for motorists to obtain or renew driving licences, register vehicles and access other services without travelling to major cities.
Mr Kotey also explained that decentralising services could help address the activities of unofficial intermediaries, commonly known as “goro boys,” who often assist motorists with licensing procedures.
Limited access to official offices has contributed to the reliance on such intermediaries in some areas, creating opportunities for unnecessary charges and potentially irregular practices.
The Authority’s approach is to make its services more accessible so that customers can deal directly with authorised personnel.
Increasing the number of service centres could reduce the practical reasons motorists rely on middlemen, although effective enforcement, transparent procedures and public education will remain important in addressing the problem.
The DVLA has also taken steps to extend its infrastructure beyond the offices already commissioned.
Mr Kotey disclosed that groundbreaking ceremonies had been held for new office buildings at Bole in the Savannah Region, Bechem in the Ahafo Region and Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.
Work was also being undertaken to expand the Tema office to provide additional space for its growing number of clients.
The Authority further identified Asankragua, Dunkwa-On-Offin, Twifo Praso, Tema Community One, Kwashieman and Wenchi as locations where additional offices were expected to open.
These planned developments are intended to extend the network further and improve access to services in communities that need additional capacity.
The expansion is taking place alongside efforts to improve the DVLA’s digital systems and operational efficiency.
The Authority has been advancing the introduction of radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled number plates, designed to strengthen vehicle identification, improve traceability and support efforts to combat fraud. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Digitalisation is particularly important in a service environment that handles large volumes of vehicle records, driving licence applications and registration transactions.
Better-integrated systems can help reduce administrative delays, improve record management and make it easier to verify information.
However, technology must be supported by trained personnel, reliable infrastructure and clear procedures to deliver consistent results.
The DVLA has also reported progress in addressing the backlog of driving licence cards. At its 2026 mid-year review conference, the Authority highlighted improvements in service delivery and the need to make road safety a central measure of institutional performance.
It also outlined plans to expand digital services and improve the efficiency of its operations.
Beyond infrastructure and technology, the Authority’s financial position has also improved. Mr Kotey disclosed that audited financial records for 2025 showed the DVLA’s surplus rising from GH¢5 million to GH¢25 million.
The improvement points to stronger financial performance, although maintaining that progress will require effective expenditure controls, sound revenue collection and responsible management of public resources.
Chairman of the DVLA Governing Board, George Spencer Quaye, stressed the importance of financial discipline and eliminating revenue leakages.
He also cautioned that the Authority’s pursuit of revenue must not undermine its primary responsibility of ensuring that drivers are competent and vehicles meet the required safety standards.
For motorists, the ultimate measure of the expansion will be whether the new offices reduce travel time, shorten queues, improve transparency and make services more dependable.
The DVLA will also need to ensure that newly established facilities maintain consistent service standards and that customers receive clear information about fees, documentation and application procedures. Corrections Policy
The development represents an important step in the Authority’s efforts to decentralise public services and improve its nationwide reach.
With 62 offices reported across the country, the DVLA is seeking to make licensing and registration services more convenient while strengthening the systems that support road safety.
As additional offices are planned and digital reforms continue, attention will turn to how effectively the Authority converts its infrastructure investments into better experiences for drivers, vehicle owners and the wider public. Newscard
Sustained improvements in accessibility, accountability and safety will be essential to ensuring that the expansion delivers lasting benefits to Ghanaians.