The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has petitioned the Ministry of Transport to suspend the planned nationwide changeover from old vehicle number plates to new digitalised plates scheduled for January 2026.
In an exclusive interview with happyghana.com, Member of VEMAG Emmanuel Boateng warned that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) risks plunging the transition into confusion due to what it describes as poor planning and a lack of consultation with key stakeholders.
He revealed that the DVLA’s announcement in April 2025 to introduce digital plates next year did not involve any discussions with the Association, which has embossed vehicle number plates in Ghana since the colonial era.
Mr. Boateng emphasized that VEMAG remains the sole entity that pre-finances all plates produced annually, paying taxes and supporting over 3,000 workers across the country.
He argued that the DVLA’s failure to engage them has disrupted the normal embossment timetable. By November each year, VEMAG and the DVLA would typically be producing plates for the upcoming year, but the Association says no guidance or directives have been issued, leaving members uncertain about what will happen in January.
VEMAG is therefore urging the Transport Minister to halt the rollout for at least six months to allow proper planning and stakeholder engagement.
The Association also wants the DVLA Chief Executive compelled to convene a consultative meeting to ensure a smooth and collaborative transition to digitalised plates.
Emmanuel Boateng further criticised the DVLA CEO’s claim that private companies do not emboss number plates in other jurisdictions, describing it as misleading.
He cited the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria as examples where private embossers remain integral to the system.
VEMAG alleged that the DVLA may be attempting to introduce foreign companies into the sector, a move VEMAG fears could render thousands of Ghanaian embossers jobless.
The Association is therefore calling on the DVLA and the Ministry of Transport to halt the introduction of the new number plates and engage them for their input and suggestions.
