Parties in the suit challenging the award of a contract for the production of 2026 vehicle number plates have agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement.

The case involves the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Vehicle Embossment Manufacturers Association of Ghana (VEMAG), and Original Manufacturers and Embossment Company Limited.

The dispute arose after the DVLA reportedly awarded the contract for the production of 2026 vehicle number plates — as well as the planned new number plate system subject to parliamentary approval — to a single entity, Original Manufacturers and Embossment Company Limited.

VEMAG and others subsequently filed a suit in December 2025, challenging the decision. In January 2026, the contracted company applied to join the suit, and the High Court granted the application.

Court grants adjournment

When the case was called on Friday, February 13, 2026, the court was informed that the parties had begun discussions to resolve the matter amicably.

Presiding judge Justice Isaac Addo granted an adjournment and directed that if a settlement is reached, the terms must be filed before the next hearing date.

“Since all the lawyers in this suit have expressed desire to resolve the matter, this Court will grant an adjournment. In the event that the parties are able to settle the suit out of court, the terms of settlement should be filed before the next court date,” the judge stated.

The court gave the parties until February 27, 2026, to file their terms of settlement if negotiations prove successful.

Background to the dispute

VEMAG is challenging both the introduction of a new vehicle number plate system and the award of manufacturing and embossment rights to a single company.

The association argues that granting both manufacturing and embossment contracts to one entity is unprecedented and inconsistent with established practice, which traditionally involves licensed embossers.

Through its counsel, Martin Kpebu, the plaintiffs are seeking an order compelling the DVLA to continue engaging licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond.

As part of earlier reliefs, VEMAG also applied for an order restraining the DVLA from introducing digitalised or new registration plates until the court determines the merits of the case. They further sought to prevent the implementation of any alternative embossment and supply arrangement outside the existing framework.

Meanwhile, the DVLA has suspended the planned rollout of new number plates, initially scheduled for January 2, 2026, pending the passage of the necessary legislation by Parliament.

The case will return to court if settlement talks fail.