The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced plans to roll out a new number plate system embedded with smart chips to enhance vehicle tracking and eliminate unregistered and fraudulently registered cars from Ghana’s roads.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, June 19, Mr. Kotey said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise DVLA operations and crack down on vehicles that enter the country illegally or evade duties using fake or cloned number plates.
“We are changing the entire number plate system. We want to introduce a plastic plate embedded with a chip. This is part of our plan to eliminate what we often call the ‘Togo cars,’” he said.
According to Mr. Kotey, the chip-enabled plates will allow security agencies to access real-time data on vehicles, aiding in crime prevention and enforcement.
“When someone commits an offence and tries to flee, the police or compliance officers can simply use a scanner or reader on the number plate and retrieve all the vehicle information instantly,” he explained.
He also hinted at the possibility of integrating the new plate system with road toll collection mechanisms, replacing manual toll booths.
“It is highly likely that DVLA will no longer collect road tolls in the traditional way. We’re exploring options where the number plate communicates with the toll system automatically,” Mr. Kotey said.
He disclosed that a committee made up of officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Roads is reviewing various tolling models, including automatic deductions via mobile money and integrating toll payments with the roadworthiness certification process.
“Some suggest we adopt the Dubai model, where toll charges are automatically deducted when you drive past checkpoints. Others propose adding toll payments to the roadworthy renewal process,” he added.
However, Mr. Kotey cautioned that any future system must address the growing prevalence of fake roadworthy certificates and number plates.
“Some cars on our roads use fake roadworthy stickers and cloned plates. There are also vehicles that bypass import duties under ECOWAS protocols and then swap their number plates locally,” he said.
He revealed that the DVLA has identified up to 25 illegal methods by which vehicles are smuggled into Ghana and registered through fraudulent means. In some cases, number plates are even copied from accident-damaged vehicles at police stations.
Calling for public support, Mr. Kotey emphasised the need for a united national effort to improve vehicle registration systems and road safety enforcement.
“All I ask is that Ghanaians support and pray for President Mahama because we will surely overcome these issues together,” he concluded.