# Ghana DVLA expands anti‑cloning reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-dvla-crackdown-on-vehicle-cloning > Updated: 2026-08-21T14:52:31.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 7. In July 2026, the DVLA opened a Salaga office, using its newly installed clone-detection system to seize 85 illegally imported vehicles, mostly from Togo. A week later, it piloted a digital registration platform, slated for nationwide rollout on 1 January 2027, which expanded detection capabilities and led to the seizure of more than 130 suspect vehicles. In August 2026, the authority inaugurated a second regional office in Nkoranza, Bono East, extending full licensing services and warning against unauthorized middlemen. The DVLA also announced a reform that permanently links registration numbers to vehicle owners rather than the vehicles themselves; plates must be surrendered on sale and can be retained for up to five years for reuse on a similar-category vehicle. In response to complaints about fading 2026 plates, the agency is preparing a new generation of electronic plates that will not fade. CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey noted that plate fading was partly due to a boycott by 159 of 160 contracted embossing companies in January 2026, and the DVLA will replace affected plates free of charge. To further combat fraud, the DVLA is intensifying road enforcement, transitioning compliance officers to a daily schedule to remove unroadworthy vehicles from circulation. Enforcement will focus on tyre condition, brake pads, and window tints. Using technology such as OBD-II scanners to verify VINs and chassis numbers, the authority has already seized approximately 200 cloned vehicles within a month and a half. Additionally, the DVLA is preparing to pilot a new vehicle number plate system featuring NFC and RFID technology between mid-August and December 2026 to allow officials to access registration and ownership data electronically. By mid-August 2026, the DVLA commissioned a new office in the Asuogyaman District, representing the 25th of 40 planned district offices intended to be operational by the end of the year. ## Claims - DVLA will permanently link vehicle registration numbers to owners rather than to the vehicles themselves. (disputed) - Owners may retain their registration numbers for up to five years and reactivate them on another vehicle of the same category. (disputed) - The DVLA will intensify road enforcement operations starting next week. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Compliance officers will conduct daily road enforcement instead of the previous two-day schedule. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Enforcement checks will include vehicle window tints, tyre condition, and brake pads. (corroborated by 2 sources) - New technology will be used to identify vehicles that have evaded customs duties. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A new DVLA office was commissioned in Nkoranza, Bono East Region, Ghana. (single source) - The new office will provide all services available at DVLA branches nationwide. (single source) - Under the new system, owners must remove number plates when selling a vehicle, and new owners must obtain fresh registration numbers. (single source) - DVLA will replace faded 2026 number plates free of charge for affected owners. (single source) - The fading issue was caused by a boycott of 159 out of 160 number‑plate embossing companies in January 2026, leaving only one producer. (single source) - The DVLA is introducing a new generation of electronic number plates that will not fade. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: DVLA to decentralise driver’s licence printing across Ghana The Ghana DVLA is decentralising driver’s licence printing to regional offices to end long delays, initially offering instant printing for replacement cards while maintaining the three-month process for new de- 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dvla-to-decentralise-drivers-licence-printing-across-ghana ### 2026-08-15: DVLA expands services in Ghana through new offices and subsidized licensing The DVLA is decentralizing services in Ghana, opening a new office in Asuogyaman and partnering with MPs to provide subsidized driver licensing to improve road safety and accessibility. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dvla-expands-services-in-ghana-through-new-offices-and-subsidized-licensing ### 2026-08-15: DVLA to intensify daily vehicle safety enforcement in Ghana Ghana's DVLA will begin daily road enforcement next week to remove unroadworthy vehicles and has already seized 200 cloned cars using new manufacturer-linked detection technology. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dvla-to-intensify-daily-vehicle-safety-enforcement-in-ghana ### 2026-08-08: Ghana's DVLA introduces new number plates and faces legal challenges over licence fees Ghana's DVLA is piloting high-tech number plates to curb fraud, while CUTS International challenges the legality of escalating late fees for expired driver's licences. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-dvla-urged-to-suspend-escalating-driver-licence-delinquency-fees ### 2026-08-01: Ghana's DVLA rolls out owner‑linked registration numbers and free plate replacements Ghana's DVLA opened a Nkoranza office, introduced owner‑linked registration numbers, and will replace faded 2026 plates free of charge, citing a production boycott and new electronic plates. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-dvla-rolls-out-ownerlinked-registration-numbers-and-free-plate-replacements ### 2026-07-24: Ghana DVLA introduces digital system to combat vehicle cloning and illegal plates Ghana's DVLA will pilot a digital vehicle registration system in August 2026 to end car cloning and illegal plate embossing, with full rollout on 1 January 2027 after seizing 130 suspected cloned vehicles. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-dvla-introduces-digital-system-to-combat-vehicle-cloning-and-illegal-plates ### 2026-07-14: Ghana's DVLA opens new Salaga office and seizes 85 cloned vehicles Ghana's DVLA opened a new office in Salaga to improve licensing services and, using a clone‑detection system, seized 85 illegally imported vehicles, mainly from Togo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanas-dvla-opens-new-salaga-office-and-seizes-85-cloned-vehicles --- Cite as: Ghana DVLA expands anti‑cloning reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-dvla-crackdown-on-vehicle-cloning