Akosombo, Eastern Region – The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has successfully commissioned its new office in Asuogyaman, the *25th out of 40 offices the Authority promised to establish nationwide.
The commissioning marks a major milestone in DVLA’s decentralization agenda aimed at reducing travel burdens and improving access to licensing services across the country.
Licenses to Be Printed at Branch Level
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, said the Authority is now decentralizing its core functions.
“DVLA is centralizing its duties across the various offices so that licenses will now be printed at the branch office and not necessarily at the Head Office in Accra,” Mr. Kotey stated.
He added that the expansion is also to eliminate the activities of middlemen popularly known as _‘goro boys’_. “If you deal with goro boys and bypass the office, DVLA will not validate those licenses. We are expanding to bring services closer to you so there is no excuse,” he warned.
New Measures for Okada Riders
Mr. Kotey further announced new policies for commercial motor riders. He said DVLA will take Okada riders through mandatory training before issuing licenses to them. He also revealed that the number plate for Okada riders will no longer be blue, but will be changed to yellow for easy identification.
Hon. Ampem Nyarko Sponsors 500 Riders for Free Licensing
The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, announced a major support package for riders in the constituency.
He said he will take charge of 500 Okada riders to be licensed for free* as a start-up initiative for the new office.
Hon. Ampem Nyarko urged the riders to be disciplined on the roads: “Please wear your helmets, avoid over-speeding, and obey traffic regulations. Your safety and the safety of others is very important.”
Okada Riders Welcome the Move
Speaking with some of the Okada riders after the event, they described the development as _“great news”_ that will help them operate legally and safely.
“We are very happy. This office will help us a lot. We promise to abide by the rules and regulations of traffic,” one rider said.
The riders also commended Hon. Ampem Nyarko for his support and appealed to him to help them with sheds and a main station, just like the GPRTU has for drivers.
Dignitaries Present
The commissioning was graced by:
– Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
– Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe
– Traditional leaders from Asuogyaman
– Executives of Drivers Unions
– Representatives of Okada Riders Unions
The establishment of the Asuogyaman DVLA office is expected to create jobs for the youth, reduce congestion at regional offices, and improve emergency response and road safety in the district.
_By Daily Newsflash_
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