The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana has impounded 357 vehicles suspected of having customs irregularities. These vehicles were handed over to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for necessary action. According to the DVLA's Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, the vehicles were identified using on-board diagnostic (OBD) devices. These devices help verify vehicle identification details and detect suspected cloning and customs evasion.
The identified vehicles were found to have been brought into Ghana through unapproved routes. Their owners allegedly obtained identification details associated with other vehicles whose customs duties have already been paid. This results in duplicate chassis numbers appearing in DVLA's registration system. Consequently, legitimate vehicle owners may be affected. The DVLA's use of diagnostic devices has improved its ability to identify suspicious vehicles before they are registered.
As of October 9, 2026, the DVLA has impounded 357 vehicles. These vehicles were handed over to the Ghana Revenue Authority to ensure the payment of required custom duties. The initiative is part of broader efforts to protect government revenue and strengthen vehicle registration controls. The DVLA aims to prevent customs evasion and ensure that all vehicles in Ghana have been properly registered and cleared through customs.
The DVLA has also begun registering excavators at ports of entry in collaboration with the Minerals Commission. More than 7,700 excavators have reportedly been captured under this initiative. The measures are intended to improve vehicle identification, support regulatory enforcement, and enhance accountability in the importation and registration of vehicles and heavy equipment.
The introduction of on-board diagnostic devices has significantly enhanced the DVLA's capabilities. The devices enable the authority to verify vehicle identification details and detect any irregularities. This has helped to identify and impound vehicles with suspected customs irregularities. The DVLA's efforts aim to ensure that all vehicles in Ghana are properly registered and have complied with customs regulations.
The DVLA's actions are part of a broader effort to improve governance and accountability in the vehicle registration process. The authority is working to prevent customs evasion and ensure that government revenue is protected. The use of technology, such as on-board diagnostic devices, has been instrumental in identifying and addressing irregularities in the vehicle registration system.
The DVLA's Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed the information at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 12, 2026. The series provides a platform for government officials to account for their actions and policies. The DVLA's efforts to address customs irregularities and improve vehicle registration controls are part of its mandate to ensure that vehicles in Ghana are properly registered and compliant with regulations.
Key points
- The DVLA has impounded 357 vehicles with suspected customs irregularities.
- The vehicles were identified using on-board diagnostic devices.
- The initiative aims to protect government revenue and strengthen vehicle registration controls.
