The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has intensified stakeholder consultations ahead of the rollout of Ghana’s new vehicle registration number plate system, scheduled to begin in 2026. The engagement aims to enhance public awareness, gather feedback, and ensure a smooth transition when the new system officially takes effect.
Speaking at one of the stakeholder fora, Mr. Kafui Semevo, Director of Driver Training, Testing and Licensing, said the initiative forms part of the Authority’s broader plan to modernize the vehicle registration regime and strengthen national road safety and security measures.
According to him, the new system will require both new vehicle owners and existing vehicle owners to register or re-register their vehicles under a digitized, more secure framework.
“The general public will have to re-register their vehicles, and those who will register new vehicles in 2026 will also be enrolled into the new numbering system. We’ve had a very successful engagement this morning and we’ve taken important feedback from our stakeholders. We will continue the education process to ensure a successful implementation in 2026,” he said.
Mr. Semevo explained that the DVLA is refining the processes to make registration more efficient and user-friendly. Under the new system, vehicle owners will be required to submit a digital request along with supporting documents, after which the DVLA will verify the documents and issue an appointment date for vehicle inspection and number assignment.
He noted that once a number is assigned, it becomes permanently linked to the owner and the specific vehicle.
A key feature of the new plates is the incorporation of RFID technology, which allows for real-time identification, improved monitoring, and enhanced security on the roads.
“The number plates will now have RFID chips embedded. This is to enable real-time authentication and improve the security and safety of vehicles on our roads. It will also help us clean the national vehicle registration database and ensure that every vehicle in use has been properly registered and identified,” he stated.
Mr. Semevo also addressed concerns about potential cost implications.
He clarified that the re-registration exercise itself will not attract extra fees, but vehicle owners will be required to pay for the new number plates. Those registering new vehicles in 2026 will continue to pay the existing standard registration fees.
Despite its long-term benefits, the new system comes with challenges, including public concerns about the cost of new plates, resistance to re-registration, lack of awareness, and the need for extensive education across the country.
The DVLA, however, maintains that the reform is essential to improving the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle identification system and strengthening national security.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
