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The new Greater Accra regional office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) was on Wednesday inaugurated at Narhman, Dome-Kwabenya, in Accra by the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The facility, which replaces the former edifice near the 37 Military Hospital, is equipped with modernised digital tools to streamline DVLA’s operations and offer efficient service delivery to customers.
In an address, Mrs Osei-Opare, said the inauguration of the facility represented the commitment of the government to efficient public service delivery and sustainable development.
She described the transformation of the DVLA since 2017 as a remarkable journey, as it adapted to the growing needs of the public, adding that the facility would ensure that the country vehicle registration and licensing systems met global standards.
“The transportation sector is the lifeline for trade, commerce, and human mobility. As Ghana continues to rise as a hub of economic activities in West Africa, it is imperative that our transportation and regulatory frameworks are agile and fit for purpose,” Mrs Osei-Opare asserted.
“The establishment of this new office is more than a milestone for the DVLA. It is a step towards fortifying Ghana’s transportation ecosystem, ensuring safer roads, efficient licensing, and ensuring road worthiness,” she added.
Also, the government, she noted, remained resolute in its drive to decentralise public services and ensure effective public-private partnership.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Hassan S. Tampuli, who expressed worry about the number of road carnages recorded in the country, called on the citizenry to support the DVLA and other relevant stakeholders such as the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to help address the issue.
Touching on the recent car crash at East Legon in Accra which claimed two lives, he cautioned parents and guardians against the practice of allowing minors to drive.
The Board Chairman of the DVLA, Mr Frank Davies, also urged staff of the DVLA to be professional in their service delivery in order to enhance its image and reputation.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) DVLA, Mr Kwesi Agyeman Busia, stated that the new facility, as well as other facilities under construction in the various parts of the country, would redefine DVLA’s service delivery to the public.
In addition, he said, the facility embodied DVLA’s dedication to modernising its operations and ensuring an efficient and seamless interaction with customers.
Moreover, he explained that the DVLA would create a one stop centre for different services at the office complex, including third-party vendor stores, an eye test centre, pharmacy and physical wellness, bank farms, cafeteria and conference centre.
Mr Busia indicated that the DVLA, would, in the future, introduce a new Intelligent Driver Licensing Management System in addition to its already existing initiatives.
He then thanked the various stakeholders of DVLA for their support in improving its service delivery and also urged management and staff of the DVLA to effectively manage the facility in order to enhance its longevity.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Chief of Narhman, Nii Gbejelor I, who was the chairperson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima-Nwabiagya, Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, and the CEO of the Ghana Free zones Authority, Mr Michael Oquaye Jnr.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY