DVLA CEO Julius Kotey uncovers GH₵300m, $150m debt inherited from previous administration

The newly appointed CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Kotey, has disclosed that the agency is burdened with GH₵300 million and $150 million in debt inherited from the previous administration.

Speaking on Class 91.3 FM’s morning show, hosted by Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang, on Friday, March 28, 2024, Mr. Kotey expressed concern over the substantial financial liabilities left by his predecessor, Kwasi Agyemang Busia.

“I don’t want to slander my predecessor, but the only thing he left me with is debt,” he remarked.

According to Mr. Kotey, the DVLA’s dollar account has an outstanding debt of approximately $150 million, while the cedi account holds a debt of about GH₵300 million. He attributed the financial challenges to commitments made under the former CEO, which the authority currently lacks the funds to settle.

One of the most pressing consequences of the debt, he noted, is the halt in license printing for nearly a year and a half due to unpaid suppliers.

However, Mr. Kotey provided a measure of reassurance, announcing that he has successfully negotiated with suppliers to resume deliveries, allowing license printing to restart next week.

“After I humbly engaged the suppliers, they willingly agreed to supply without any advance payment from DVLA,” he stated.

He also pledged to leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) to address many of the agency’s operational challenges.

As Mr. Kotey works to resolve the debt crisis, he remains committed to restoring essential services, including the timely issuance of driver’s licenses.