The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has uncovered a large criminal network responsible for producing and distributing counterfeit DV number plates across Ghana, prompting a major crackdown and reforms to strengthen the country’s vehicle registration system.
At a press briefing, DVLA Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey revealed that investigations conducted by the Authority exposed an illegal operation that had circulated more than 30,000 fake DV plates nationwide.
According to him, the counterfeit plates are estimated to have a street value of about GH¢12.5 million, while the illegal scheme has been costing the state over GH¢20 million in lost revenue each year.
So far, five suspects have been arrested and remanded into custody in connection with the case, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend two additional suspects believed to be on the run.
Mr. Kotey explained that the discovery has prompted the Authority to introduce stricter internal controls and tighten the issuance process for DV number plates beginning in 2026.
As part of the reforms, the DVLA plans to introduce RFID chip-embedded vehicle number plates, a technology designed to make vehicle identification easier and significantly reduce counterfeiting.
The new plates will enable authorities to electronically trace registered vehicles, helping law enforcement agencies track vehicles involved in criminal activities and enhance overall road safety enforcement.
The DVLA has also issued a strong warning to individuals commonly known as “Goro Boys”—middlemen who operate around DVLA offices offering unofficial services to motorists.
Officials say any person caught facilitating illegal plate issuance or bypassing official registration procedures will face legal prosecution.
Mr. Kotey reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle registration system and urged motorists to deal directly with authorized DVLA personnel when registering vehicles or obtaining number plates.
The Authority added that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the entire criminal network behind the counterfeit plates and prevent further circulation across the country.
According to the DVLA, the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect state revenue, and improve road safety nationwide.
