Transport Minister directs DVLA to deepen inter-agency collaboration towards enforcing new traffic regulation  

The Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to strengthen collaboration with other road sector agencies to ensure effective enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).

He said the DVLA operated within a wider road transport ecosystem and must, therefore, maintain close cooperation with relevant institutions and stakeholders to improve road safety and facilitate the effective implementation of the new regulations.

Mr Nikpe gave the directive in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr Daniel Essel, Head of Road Transport Services, at the DVLA’s 2026 mid-year review conference in Sunyani.

The conference was held on the theme: “Transforming DVLA for a digitally driven and efficient 24-hour service culture”.

According to the Minister, digitalisation offered an opportunity to deepen inter-agency cooperation through secure data sharing, enhanced verification systems and improved coordination.

“The objective of the DVLA should ultimately go beyond efficient licensing to create a safer and more efficient transport ecosystem”.

He said the DVLA should work with relevant institutions to ensure that vehicles were properly registered, drivers adequately tested and licensed, and motorists and other road users complied with traffic regulations.

“A digitally driven DVLA must be one that uses information intelligently to plan, monitor performance and make informed decisions, while making sure that citizens with limited access to technology are not left behind”, Mr Nikpe advised.

The Minister stressed that while technology could transform the authority’s operations, its staff remained central to achieving sustainable transformation.

He, therefore, underscored the importance of continuous staff development, professionalism and a strong culture of service excellence in shaping the future of the DVLA.

Mr Nikpe urged the management of the authority to continue investing in training and professional development to build an efficient workforce capable of supporting the government’s development agenda.

He said the enactment of L.I. 2519 reflected the government’s commitment to improving road safety while creating opportunities for employment.

The regulations address several areas of road transport administration, including new vehicle registration and driver licensing systems, the towing of disabled and abandoned vehicles, and the automation of traffic law enforcement.

They also cover operator registration and compliance, as well as the use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles for fare-paying passenger services.

Mr Nikpe stressed that the DVLA’s role in enforcing the relevant provisions of the regulations could not be overemphasised.

He consequently urged the authority to mobilise the resources required to implement the regulations effectively, intensify public education and create awareness of the new requirements among road users.

The Minister further noted that effective enforcement would require relevant agencies to align their standard operating procedures.

He acknowledged the scale of the task ahead and assured the DVLA of the Ministry’s continued guidance and support as the authority worked to fulfil its mandate.

Source: GNA