VEMAG asks the transport minister to stop the introduction of DVLA digital plates.
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The Minister of Transport has been petitioned by the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) to halt the planned introduction of new digital license plates by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
A notice to implement a new car licensing system in January 2026 has been served by the DVLA.
According to VEMAG spokesperson Mr. Jojo Bruce Quansah, the shift would send more than 3,000 employees who work in the sector home.
He pointed out that the DVLA had broken a 2021 pledge to consult the Association prior to any changes to the car number plate system.
He warned that members who pre-finance the national plate embossment each year run the risk of being pushed out in favour of foreign businesses, characterising the rollout strategy as hurried.
He said that multiple attempts to meet DVLA CEO Mr. Julius Nii Quaye Kotei since April 2025 had failed, “leaving lembossers without information on their 2026 allocations.”
Mr. Quansah expressed several concerns, claiming that in violation of the Legislative Instrument creating the Authority, which divides the two functions, the DVLA was trying to assign both manufacturing and embossing roles to a particular group.
He disclosed that the Association had access to material indicating that the DVLA intended to collaborate with foreign companies, particularly Chinese partners, which they claimed could result in the unemployment of thousands of Ghanaians.
“We are not opposed to technological advancement but want a phased transition and capacity-building for embossers to align with the digitalisation agenda”.
He asked the Transport Minister to look into Mr. Kotei’s claims that three people conducted 154 illicit embossing businesses in addition to the 50 businesses that were authorised.
In order to guarantee a seamless and legal transition to digital license plates, Mr. Quansah asked the DVLA and the Ministry to include stakeholders. He stated that the association remained dedicated to national development.
Source: newsthemegh.com
