New DVLA office in Ada to ease vehicle registration, improve road safety

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has built a new office in Kasseh, Ada East District, Greater Accra Region, to bring vehicle registration and licensing services closer to residents. This move aims to reduce the difficulties people face in traveling outside the district to access services like vehicle registration, license renewals, and roadworthiness inspections.

The authority also used the commissioning ceremony to educate stakeholders about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled smart number plates. These plates are designed to improve vehicle identification and address the issue of registration plate duplication. Kwesi Bona Otuo-Srebour, the Acting Director of Vehicle Inspection and Registration at the DVLA, explained that the current registration system has vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to plate cloning.

The RFID-enabled number plates feature electronic identification technology, allowing for digital verification of registration information, which will aid in detecting counterfeit plates and tracking vehicles more effectively.

Foster Akwasi Asante, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Services at the DVLA, stated that the establishment of the office is part of the Authority's efforts to decentralize its operations and improve service access. The new facility will offer various services, including vehicle registration, license renewals, roadworthiness inspections, and more, to residents of Ada and nearby communities.

Asante added that the proposed identification system will link registration data directly to registered owners, enabling updates whenever vehicles change hands and helping to detect cloned plates.

Mordzifa Tanihu Jerry John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah, the District Chief Executive for Ada West, welcomed the new office, calling it a significant development that will make DVLA services more accessible in the two Ada districts. Kenneth Kabu Kofi Kanor, District Chief Executive for Ada East, acknowledged the efforts of the area's Member of Parliament and assured the Authority of the Assembly's support for the facility's smooth operation.

Lastly, Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Member of Parliament for Ada, pledged to support the enrolment and renewal of licenses for 100 drivers and the registration of 100 commercial motorcycle operators, commonly known as okada riders, under the new system. She also requested the DVLA to prioritize the recruitment of local residents to create employment opportunities for the community.