VEMAG petitions Transport Ministry to stop DVLA’s digital number plate rollout
The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has officially petitioned the Ministry of Transport to halt the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) proposed launch of digital vehicle number plates, which is scheduled for January 2026.
In a statement endorsed by Secretary Victor Twum Koranteng, the association accused the DVLA of excluding significant local stakeholders and pursuing a poorly coordinated implementation that could threaten the livelihoods of over 3,000 workers in the embossment sector.
VEMAG highlighted its longstanding position as the legally recognised embosser of vehicle plates in Ghana, pointing out that it has historically pre-financed production for the DVLA and has consistently fulfilled its tax obligations.
The group contended that the shift to digital plates seems to benefit foreign contractors at the expense of established Ghanaian enterprises.
The association further condemned the DVLA CEO for allegedly undertaking international trips and engaging in discussions with foreign firms while disregarding proper local consultation.
VEMAG dismissed assertions that private embossers are not utilised elsewhere, referencing examples from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria, and emphasised that Ghana’s Road Traffic Act requires collaboration with private operators.
VEMAG called for a six-month postponement of the digitalisation initiative to facilitate adequate planning, training, and stakeholder involvement, cautioning that a hurried rollout could lead to nationwide confusion.
The association also urged the Ministry of Transport to investigate claims made by the DVLA CEO regarding illegal operators in the industry, underscoring that officially recognised embossment firms number fewer than 50 across the country.
While supporting technological advancement, VEMAG maintains that the process must be gradual and collaborative to protect jobs and ensure a seamless national implementation.