Ghana is ushering in a new phase of vehicle regulation and road safety with the rollout of high-tech number plates featuring advanced digital and security elements.
The Executive Director of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey has unveiled the first official sample of the new plate design, expected to be rolled out nationwide in January 2026.
“The introduction of a new number plate system is a significant step forward for vehicle regulation and security. The new plates will be equipped with RFID technology and other features to modernize vehicle management and improve road safety,” Mr. Kotey said in a statement.
The sample showcased includes several notable upgrades. Unlike the traditional format that highlights the year of registration, the new design replaces it with a unique vehicle identity number merged with an area code such as 2301-GR1. Each plate will also bear the name of the region of registration, along with its official slogan embossed beneath the registration number.
Beyond aesthetics, the plates carry crucial technological improvements. Embedded RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips will allow for seamless law enforcement tracking, automated toll collection, and tighter border controls to prevent smuggling. A reflective surface will improve visibility, while full integration with DVLA’s central database is expected to curb fraud and human error in vehicle registration.
According to Mr. Kotey, these innovations will “enhance security, streamline enforcement, and provide a modern framework for Ghana’s vehicle management system.” He further noted that the upgraded features will support the government’s broader push toward digital governance and smarter transport infrastructure.
The DVLA, however, cautioned that the design remains provisional, with modifications likely before the official launch. The clarification follows recent circulation of fake plates online, falsely presented as the authority’s new system.
By embedding digital verification and centralised tracking, the DVLA hopes the initiative will set a new standard in vehicle regulation across the subregion. The rollout is also expected to boost investor confidence in Ghana’s transport sector, reducing inefficiencies and revenue leakages in road management systems.
The official launch of the new plates in January 2026 will mark one of the most ambitious reforms in Ghana’s vehicular administration in decades one that blends security, technology, and regulatory precision.
