DVLA Announces New Digitalization and Safety Measures to Enhance Services and Road Safety in Ghana
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana has announced a series of new measures aimed at enhancing the digitalization of its services and improving road safety standards across the country. These initiatives are part of the Authority’s broader plan to make its services more accessible and efficient for Ghanaians.
The announcement was made at a high-profile 25Years Anniversary event attended by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Senior Advisor to President Nana Akufo-Addo; Dr. Justice M.Y. Amegashie Esq, former CEO of the DVLA; Prof. Stephen Adei; Rt. Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana; Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia, CEO of the DVLA; and Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students Affairs at the University of Ghana.
Digitalization of DVLA Services
In an effort to modernize its operations, the DVLA has made significant strides in digitalizing its services, with a goal to fully or at least partially digitize the majority of its processes. Mr. Prince Opoku Edusei, the Deputy Chief Executive Operations revealed that the Authority is currently building a comprehensive digital system that will allow Ghanaians to access services from the comfort of their homes. Under this new system, most services will be available online, reducing the need for physical visits to DVLA offices, except for purposes such as authentication or other essential requirements.
Additionally, the DVLA is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its digitalization strategy to improve service delivery and customer experience.
Enhancing Road Safety Through Technology
The DVLA is also developing a system that will automatically send a vehicle’s details to both the DVLA and law enforcement agencies in cases of traffic misconduct, theft, or other incidents on the road. This technology will enable quicker response times and more efficient enforcement of traffic laws, enhancing overall road safety in Ghana.
New Measures for Cargo Truck Safety
To improve the safety of goods-carrying vehicles, the DVLA is implementing a surveillance program to track cargo trucks from Ghanaian ports to their final destinations. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations while providing a safer environment for truck drivers and other road users.
Digitalization of Vehicle Registration Processes
The DVLA is also moving to digitize the current “DP plates” system, which are temporary registration plates used for vehicles cleared from the Tema Port. The new system will replace these plates with digital stickers containing all relevant vehicle details. This change is expected to simplify the registration process and provide an easier method for the DVLA to notify vehicle owners when their 40-day DP sticker period expires.
Recent Achievements and Future Plans
Highlighting recent achievements, the Deputy Chief Executive Operations noted the DVLA’s efforts to improve the eye-testing process for prospective drivers. Previously, the Authority required applicants to read text to determine if their eyesight met driving standards. Now, qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists are conducting comprehensive eye tests, a change that has proven effective in reducing road crashes.
Additionally, the DVLA plans to replace the traditional paper documentation for vehicle registration with a smart card system. This transition is expected to further streamline the registration process, reduce paperwork, and enhance data security.
These new measures by the DVLA emphasise the Authority’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and promote road safety in Ghana and to ensure that all road users benefit from a safer and more efficient driving environment.
