Akosombo, Eastern Region – Residents of Asuogyaman District have welcomed a major boost in public service delivery following the commissioning of a new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office in the constituency.
The facility is the 25th out of 40 offices the Authority promised to establish nationwide as part of its decentralization agenda.
Services Brought Closer to the People
The newly commissioned office is expected to eliminate the inconvenience and extra cost of traveling to Koforidua, Somanya, or Ho to access DVLA services.
Speaking at the ceremony, *DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, said the Authority is decentralizing its core functions to improve efficiency.
“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 noted that the expansion will also help reduce congestion at regional offices and create jobs for the youth.
Crackdown on ‘Goro Boys’ and New Policies for Okada Riders
The DVLA CEO used the occasion to warn the public against dealing with 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 cautioned.
Mr. Kotey also announced new measures for commercial motor riders. He said DVLA will subject all Okada riders to mandatory training before issuing licenses. He further revealed that the number plate for Okada riders will change from blue to yellow for easy identification and regulation.
500 Constituents to Benefit from Free Driver’s Licence Initiative
Adding significance to the event, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, announced a support package to sponsor 500 constituents to obtain driver’s licences for free as a start-up initiative for the new office.
The initiative is aimed at empowering residents, particularly young people, by removing the financial barrier to licensing.
“For many young people, a driver’s licence is more than a legal requirement. It is a gateway to employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence,” Hon. Ampem Nyarko said.
He urged beneficiaries and all riders to be disciplined: “Please wear your helmets, avoid over-speeding, and obey traffic regulations. Your safety and the safety of others are very important.”
Okada Riders Welcome the Move
Okada riders present at the event 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, similar to what the GPRTU has for drivers.
Dignitaries Grace the Occasion
The commissioning was attended by:
– Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe
– Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey
– District Chief Executive for Asuogyaman
– CEO of DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey and other DVLA Directors and Managers
– Heads of District Security Services
– Nkyiheneba of Akwamufie, Nana Kwame Anokye II – representing the Akwamuhene
– Executives of Drivers Unions and Okada Riders Unions, and other stakeholders
A Milestone for Asuogyaman
The commissioning of the DVLA office, together with the free licence initiative, marks an important milestone in the development of the district. It reflects government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people while creating opportunities that can positively transform lives.
With this development, Asuogyaman has taken another important step forward — bringing services closer, opening doors of opportunity, and investing in the future of its people.
_By: Dr. Ageorgia_
_Daily Newsflash_
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