Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, the Head of Vehicle Inspection and Registration at the DVLA, Amos Abakah, explained that although January 2 had been proposed as the launch date, the plan could not proceed because Parliament has yet to approve the necessary legal framework.

Mr. Abakah noted that vehicle registration is still ongoing and reminded motorists that existing DV licence plates will expire on December 31, after which vehicle owners will be required to obtain the new plates.

He also revealed that the DVLA will carry out the re-registration of existing vehicles under the new system once it is implemented.

According to Mr. Abakah, the Authority is introducing technological reforms this year to address gaps in vehicle roadworthiness. A compliance and enforcement unit has also been established to ensure vehicles that fail to meet safety standards are removed from the roads.

He stressed that, while challenges remain in the road sector, the government is taking steps to address them and emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility.

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The approval follows the committee’s recommendation of their nominations.

The nominees include Dr. Rashid Pelpuo as Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment; Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Samuel Nartey George as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations; Kofi Adams as Minister for Sports and Recreation; and Joseph Bukari Nikpe as Minister for Transport.

The House debated the motion for their approval on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako presiding over the proceedings.

The Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, approved four nominees but opposed Samuel Nartey George’s appointment as Communications Minister-designate.

They cited concerns over his past remarks criticizing former President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

However, the Majority Caucus rejected this reasoning and expressed disappointment over the Minority’s opposition.

They argued that the Ningo-Prampram MP’s nomination was justified and that the objections against him were untenable.

After hours of deliberation, the Minority acknowledged the competence of the other four nominees but insisted on a secret ballot for Mr. George’s approval.

Amidst the Majority’s opposition, the Minority abstained from voting, leaving his fate to be determined by a majority decision.

The Second Deputy Speaker then confirmed the appointments through a voice vote, with the Minority opting out of the process.

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According to him, this measure is intended to curb perceived corruption and strengthen accountability within the Public Procurement Authority.

This follows the committee’s identification of procurement as the main avenue for corruption in the public sector.

In an interview with JoyNews, Mr. Avedzi recommended an amendment to the appointment procedure for the head of the PPA to address the abuse of the sole-source procurement model.

He also lamented that the low salaries received by heads of the PPA contribute to the risk of corruption in the position.

“The appointment to that position as a Chief Executive or Director General of Public Procurement Authority, we should look at it again. If I am appointed by a political head, and that political head, there is a request through a sole sourcing that doesn’t satisfy the condition and that political head puts a call through saying work on that, what will you do?

“Those sensitive positions must be appointed through a competitive bidding process. Advertise, let people apply – parliament can vet the person.”

Mr Avedzi further stressed the need for a fixed tenure for the appointed CEO, arguing that defined term limits would empower the candidate to act with integrity and make decisions independently, thereby promoting accountability in the role.

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The Minister who doubles as Atiwa East Member of Parliament (MP) made the call at a press interaction.

The deputy Minister who in charge of revenue stated that, a timely approval will make way for the tax relief items to take effect for the benefit of Ghanaians.

“The government initially planned to discontinue the VAT exemption granted to the textiles industry, however, they opted to extend these reliefs for an additional two years. This extension is intended to support the industry, enabling them not only to manage their VAT obligation but also to address other corporate taxes more effectively,” she noted.

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta presented the budget on November 15, 2023 subject to parliamentary debate and approval.

To the Minister, the budget debate and issues raised especially from the Minority side indicate that every lawmaker expects a level of development in their constituencies.

This she said is no different from the Akufo-Addo led government’s position and called on Ghanaians to take part in building a resilient economy again.

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