DVLA Inaugurates Tumu District Office and Impounds 85 Cloned Vehicles in Security Crackdown

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has significantly expanded its operational footprint and tightened security measures, highlighted by the inauguration of a new district office in Tumu and the successful impoundment of 85 illegally imported vehicles. These dual developments reflect the Authority's commitment to decentralizing its services across the Upper West Region while simultaneously deploying advanced technology to curb fraudulent registration activities. CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to modernize road transport administration and ensure safety for all Ghanaian motorists.

The newly commissioned Tumu office serves as the 22nd district facility established under the current DVLA Board, specifically designed to support residents of the Sissala East and Sissala West districts. Previously, motorists in these areas were forced to travel 142 kilometers to the regional capital, Wa, to access basic services. The Tumu facility now offers comprehensive services, including driver testing and vehicle registration. To mark the opening, the DVLA introduced a specialized 'U-T' registration series for vehicles in the Tumu enclave. During the ceremony, Mr. Kotey urged the public to deal directly with official staff and avoid 'Goro Boys' or unauthorized middlemen who often exploit applicants.

Parallel to this expansion, the DVLA’s newly launched Clone Detection System has already yielded significant results in the fight against vehicle-related crime. Since its implementation in May, the system has identified and led to the impoundment of 85 vehicles that were illegally imported, primarily from Togo. This sophisticated technology detects 'cloning,' a process where criminals use the chassis number of a legally registered vehicle to fraudulently register smuggled ones. This crackdown is intended to protect the integrity of the national vehicle database and ensure that all vehicles on Ghanaian roads are properly documented and tax-compliant.

Moving forward, the DVLA plans to establish additional satellite offices within the Upper West Region to further enhance accessibility and service delivery. The Upper West Regional Minister noted that community ownership of these facilities is vital for their long-term sustainability and impact on local economic activities. By combining physical decentralization with digital surveillance through the Clone Detection System, the DVLA aims to improve road safety, maximize government revenue, and streamline the licensing process for all citizens.