The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, says government is committed to decentralising key state institutions and bringing public services closer to the people.
According to him, the move forms part of the government’s broader agenda to ensure that residents, particularly those in deprived and remote communities, can access essential government services without travelling long distances.
He made the remarks at Atebubu during the commissioning of a new office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) at Atebubu.
The Minister said the establishment of the office would improve access to driver licensing and vehicle registration services while contributing to road safety in the area.
“Government is committed to decentralising important state institutions and making them more accessible to the ordinary Ghanaian. This office is part of that broader commitment to bring government services closer to the people.”
Francis Owusu Antwi also commended the Atebubu Traditional Council, particularly the Atebubumanhene, His Royal Majesty Ohenpong Dr. Yeboah Asiamah, for his support towards the establishment of the DVLA office.
He noted that the traditional ruler supported the initiative by paying an advance for the rental of the facility and providing land for the construction of a permanent DVLA office.
The Minister said the facility would also provide quality driver training, improve vehicle registration and licensing, and promote road safety within the municipality and surrounding communities.
“This office is expected to provide quality training for drivers, improve vehicle registration and licensing, and ultimately contribute to road safety. That is why we must all support it and ensure that it functions effectively.”
He appealed to politicians, traditional authorities, the police, opinion leaders and residents to avoid interfering with the operations of the DVLA and allow officials to perform their duties professionally.
The Minister further urged officers at the facility to treat members of the public with respect and provide efficient services to ensure that the Atebubu office becomes a model for others.
“I appeal to all stakeholders not to use their positions to interfere with the work of the DVLA. Let us support the officers to work, and I also urge the officers to treat every person who comes here with respect. We want this office to become the best, so that the people of Atebubu will be proud of it.”
He also called on the public to cooperate with the DVLA and other relevant institutions to ensure the success of the facility.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Municipal Chief Executive, the Member of Parliament for the area, Sanja Nanja, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
