[REVISION HISTORY]

Ghana DVLA expands anti‑cloning reforms

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-16 21:06 UTC → 2026-08-17 12:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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