The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has formally petitioned the Ministry of Transport to stop the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) planned launch of digital vehicle number plates, scheduled for January 2026.
In a statement signed by Secretary Victor Twum Koranteng, VEMAG criticized the DVLA for excluding key local stakeholders and moving forward with an implementation plan that the association claims is poorly coordinated. They argue that the rollout could jeopardize the livelihoods of over 3,000 workers in the vehicle embossment sector.
VEMAG, which is the legally recognized body for vehicle plate embossment in Ghana, emphasized its long history of pre-financing plate production for the DVLA while fulfilling its tax obligations. The association expressed concern that the shift to digital plates would primarily benefit foreign contractors at the expense of established Ghanaian businesses.
The group also condemned the actions of the DVLA CEO, alleging that he had undertaken international trips and engaged in discussions with foreign firms without adequate local consultation. VEMAG rejected claims that private embossers are not utilized in other countries, citing examples from the United Kingdom, United States, and Nigeria, and stressed that Ghana’s Road Traffic Act mandates cooperation with private operators.
VEMAG called for a six-month delay in the digitalisation initiative to allow for proper planning, training, and stakeholder engagement. They cautioned that rushing the rollout could lead to confusion and disruption across the country.
Additionally, the association urged the Ministry of Transport to investigate allegations made by the DVLA CEO about illegal operators in the embossment industry, asserting that fewer than 50 officially recognized embossing firms currently operate in Ghana.
While VEMAG supports the advancement of technology, they insist that the process must be gradual and collaborative to safeguard jobs and ensure a smooth national implementation.
0 Comments