The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, has assured motorists that the much-anticipated RFID embedded number plates will be rolled out soon, following the completion of the ongoing legislative process.
In his 2026 New Year message to staff and road users released on Sunday, January 4, Mr. Kotey explained that although a full rollout was initially planned for January, the implementation has been delayed to allow for the alignment of the legislative framework, particularly amendments to Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2180, with the Authority’s vision.
According to him, the DVLA is at the final stages of the legislative process and will launch the new number plate system once Parliament reconvenes and the necessary regulations are finalized.
“The wait is almost over,” he said, assuring motorists that their expectations regarding the new plates will be met in the coming weeks.
Mr. Kotey explained that the new RFID embedded plates will eliminate year suffixes, replacing them with a more modern regional and zonal identification system.
He noted that the innovation will significantly enhance vehicle security through improved tracking of stolen vehicles and contribute to overall road safety.
He further stated that the new system will empower vehicle owners by directly linking number plates to owners, ensuring better accountability across the transport sector.
In the interim, the DVLA CEO urged motorists to continue using the current 26 suffix number plates and DP stickers, stressing that they remain fully valid and legal.
“We are not just changing plates; we are changing the security architecture of Ghanaian transport,” he emphasized.
Touching on the Authority’s broader vision for 2026, Mr. Kotey reaffirmed the DVLA’s commitment to reducing waiting times at regional offices, strengthening digital platforms to combat the activities of middlemen, commonly known as “goro boys,” and ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles and qualified drivers are allowed on Ghana’s roads.
He commended DVLA staff for their dedication to clearing operational backlogs and advancing the Authority’s digitalization agenda, describing them as the driving force behind the institution’s transformation into a world-class organization.
Mr. Kotey called for discipline and caution among road users in the new year, while praying for safer roads and God’s blessings for the nation.
