The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has intensified regulatory enforcement within Ghana’s vehicle inspection ecosystem, shutting down six private vehicle testing stations (PVTS) for breaching roadworthiness certification standards.
The closures, carried out over the past two to three months, follow findings that the affected facilities issued roadworthy certificates without conducting proper inspections.
This is part of broader efforts to sanitise the sector, improve compliance, and safeguard revenue linked to vehicle certification.
Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed the action during the inauguration of a new PVTS at Buduburam, near Kasoa.
The commissioning formed part of a wider expansion exercise involving three new facilities aimed at improving access to DVLA services.
Mr Kotey said the enforcement action is both a safety and economic intervention, intended to eliminate market distortions and ensure fair competition among operators.
He noted that the issuance of fraudulent roadworthy certificates undermines the credibility of the inspection regime and creates an uneven playing field for compliant businesses.
The clampdown is expected to strengthen confidence in the Authority’s public-private partnership model, under which private operators manage testing stations under regulatory supervision.
Industry analysts say stricter enforcement could improve standards, attract credible investors, and enhance operational transparency across the sector.
As part of its expansion strategy, the DVLA is scaling up infrastructure through the introduction of Ultra Centres, which provide a full range of services including vehicle registration, licensing, and ownership transfers. This is to improve efficiency, reduce processing times, and boost revenue mobilisation.
The newly inaugurated Anyaa Ultra Centre, Kasoa Ultra Centre, and Buduburam PVTS are expected to ease congestion at existing offices while expanding the Authority’s service reach.
In addition, the DVLA is pursuing digital reforms, including the introduction of RFID-enabled number plates.
The technology will be integrated into a central database to enhance vehicle traceability, strengthen enforcement, and reduce fraud in the transport sector.
The Authority is also expanding its presence across districts to reduce reliance on informal intermediaries, commonly known as “goro boys,” whose activities often increase transaction costs and reduce transparency.
Mr Kotey urged vehicle owners, particularly those registered under older systems, to update their records to align with the Authority’s enhanced database.
Madam Philis Naa Koryoo Okunor, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, called on staff to uphold professionalism and encouraged residents to utilise the new facilities.
Mr Emmanuel Adotey Allotey, Municipal Chief Executive for Ga Central, commended the DVLA’s expansion drive and pledged continued support for its operations.
