The Association of Ghana Private Vehicle Testing Stations (AGPVTS) is advocating the nationwide adoption of machine-based vehicle testing and inspection to improve road safety.
Chairman of the Association, Robert Adomako, has called on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to phase out manual vehicle inspections, arguing that automation is critical to reducing road crashes.
He made the call during the inauguration of the association in Kumasi. The AGPVTS is a coalition of accredited private centres authorised by the DVLA to test roadworthiness and ensure vehicle safety.
Mr. Adomako noted that machine-based testing remains the most reliable method for verifying a vehicle’s roadworthiness and ensuring it does not pose a risk to drivers, passengers, or other road users.
“Our primary goal is to curb road accidents by ensuring only roadworthy vehicles operate on our roads. We therefore call on government to transition from manual inspections to machine-based testing,” he said.
“We cannot continue to rely on human judgment alone when technology offers precision. Manual inspections are prone to inconsistency, fatigue, and, in some cases, compromise. These gaps put lives at risk,” he added.
He also cautioned members of the association against issuing roadworthy certificates to faulty vehicles, stressing that such practices will not be tolerated.
“I want to task members to ensure that every vehicle is mechanically sound, compliant with legal safety standards, and that all components—such as brakes, tyres, lights, and steering—are functioning properly before issuing approval stickers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some members of the association have raised concerns about financial challenges facing many Private Vehicle Testing Stations (PVTS), with several reportedly on the verge of collapse due to what they describe as unfair pricing structures.
A member, Sampson Asiamah, revealed that a significant portion of revenue from roadworthy certificates is channelled to government, leaving testing stations with little to cover operational costs.
“At present, the roadworthy fee for a two-wheeled motorcycle is GH¢104.25. From this amount, PVTS receives about GH¢11, out of which we must pay 10% to the DVLA and also cover VAT. Many stations are struggling to stay afloat,” he explained.
He further expressed concern over recent adjustments in roadworthy charges by the DVLA, noting that although fees have been increased, the share retained by private testing stations has not been revised accordingly.
“That is unfair. If charges are reviewed upward, the stations conducting the actual testing should also see a corresponding increase in their service fees,” he added.
The AGPVTS has therefore called for a review of the revenue-sharing model to ensure the sustainability of private testing stations while maintaining safety standards.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), as part of efforts to decongest vehicle registration and inspection processes in Ghana, contracted Private Vehicle Testing Stations (PVTS) to support vehicle inspection and testing.
This arrangement was operationalised in 2012 under the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (Private Vehicle Testing Station) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2192), and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
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