Measure reforms by impact on motorists, not projects completed – Nikpe to DVLA

Nikpe, the Transport Minister, has called upon the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to assess the progress of its reforms based on their effect on motorists, rather than merely the quantity of projects and systems implemented. During a speech at the DVLA’s 2026 Mid-Year Performance Review Conference, Nikpe emphasized that digital platforms and new systems should make services more efficient, straightforward, and accessible to ordinary citizens.

At the conference, themed “Transforming DVLA for a Digitally-Driven and Efficient 24-Hour Service Culture,” Nikpe urged management to concentrate on the tangible impact of reforms on citizens. He argued that the success of public-sector transformation should be measured by how significantly it enhances the experiences of ordinary Ghanaians when accessing government services.

Nikpe highlighted practical examples of such transformation, such as shorter wait times at licensing offices, the availability of services beyond standard working hours, and increased trust in vehicle registration systems. He stressed that a genuine transformation is evident when drivers spend less time at licensing offices, vehicle owners can access services outside regular hours, and motorists trust the authenticity of vehicle registration plates.

While acknowledging the DVLA’s recent accomplishments, such as clearing 440,000 backlog of driver’s licenses and introducing an in-house RFID-enabled number plate system slated for pilot in January 2027, Nikpe stressed that technology alone cannot achieve the desired transformation. He urged the Authority to prioritize staff development, professionalism, and service excellence, emphasizing that technology changes processes but it is people who drive transformation.

Nikpe also cautioned against digital exclusion, urging the DVLA to ensure that citizens with limited technological access are not left behind. His remarks follow the Authority’s pursuit of a more digitally driven and extended-hours service model aimed at restoring public confidence in government institutions and creating a more efficient road transport ecosystem.