Ghana’s transport minister urges DVLA to assess reforms by drivers’ experience
Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, urged the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to assess reforms by how much they improve motorists’ experience. A statement on his behalf was read by representative Daniel Essel at the DVLA’s first-half 2026 performance review conference in the city of Sunyani, MyJoyOnline reports.
According to Nikpe, digital platforms, new systems and infrastructure will have limited value if they do not make public services faster, simpler and more accessible for citizens. He stressed that the number of completed projects or launched systems should not be the sole criterion for success.
Practical results for drivers
The minister described shorter waiting times at offices, the ability to use services outside regular working hours and greater trust in the vehicle registration system as signs of real change. In particular, this concerns drivers’ confidence in the authenticity of vehicle registration plates.
The conference was held under the theme of transforming the DVLA into a digital and efficient service operating around the clock. Nikpe noted that public-sector reform should be felt by citizens when they seek services, rather than merely appearing convincing in documents.
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Licences and RFID registration plates
The minister also highlighted the DVLA’s recent results: the authority cleared a backlog of 440,000 driver’s licences. In addition, the agency developed its own registration plate system using RFID technology.
A pilot rollout of RFID registration plates is planned before the system’s full launch in January 2027. At the same time, Nikpe stressed that technology alone will not deliver the expected changes without staff development, professionalism and high service standards.
He urged the DVLA to ensure that digitalisation does not exclude people with limited access to technology. In the minister’s view, reforms should help restore trust in public institutions and improve the efficiency of the road transport system.
