About 100 officials from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Transport have begun a mid-year review conference themed “Driving Forward: 25 Years of Transformation and Service.”

The conference aims to review the authority’s past achievements and plan for future developments.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom, who opened the week-long meeting today (Tuesday, August 6), urged the DVLA to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance its operations and meet public expectations.

For instance, he noted that AI can process large volumes of data related to driver's license applications and vehicle registration, helping to streamline these processes and save time.

Mr. Adom highlighted that the DVLA has made remarkable strides recently in several key operational areas, evolving from an institution plagued by delays and “goro boys” to one that has distinguished itself in service delivery.

“The streamlining of driver licensing and vehicle registration processes has paved the way for an improved customer service experience at DVLA, which has won many awards as one of the best-performing public institutions,” he added.

Mr. Adom cited the Vehicle Registration System (VRS) as an innovation that has eliminated bureaucratic delays in the registration process, describing it as cutting-edge technology that has enhanced the issuance of driver licenses and vehicle registrations.

Automotive development

He mentioned that the launch of the Ghana Automotive Manufacturing Development Programme in 2019 has yielded positive results, with global automobile giants like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Nissan establishing assembly plants in Ghana.

“That testifies to the fact that opportunities in the automotive sector are endless,” he added.

The Chairman of the DVLA Board, Frank Davies, said the authority has transformed over the years to become one of the best service delivery institutions in the world, as evidenced by the record time of 30 minutes in which new driver licenses are processed.

He announced that new DVLA operational offices have been constructed in Axim, Tarkwa, Techiman, Wenchi, Effiduase, Kumawu, and Akatsi, while existing facilities in Takoradi, Cape Coast, and Koforidua have been remodeled and commissioned.

Meanwhile, Mr. Davies stated that plans are far advanced to commission the new Greater Accra Regional Offices at Naaman, as well as two other operational offices on Spintex Road and at Awudome.

The Chief Executive of DVLA, Kwasi Agyeman Busia, said the DVLA is reaching great heights in its operations, and consistent capacity-building programs for its officials are crucial to enhancing the authority’s growing image.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yaw Letsa, noted that the establishment of DVLA offices in the region has been a game-changer, allowing clients to easily register their vehicles and acquire driver’s licenses.

He observed that the DVLA’s journey has been defined by remarkable accomplishments and innovations, which have brought about reforms not only in its operations but also as a pacesetter within the public sector.