The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commissioned a state-of-the-art office complex in Techiman. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new era of modernization for DVLA regional offices, reinforcing their commitment to excellence, innovation, and efficient service delivery.

The new office complex replaces the old one that began in 2004 on the ground floor of the building owned by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). Over time, the demand for DVLA services outgrew the old facility, prompting the need for a more befitting space.

The DVLA plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of vehicles and the promotion of good driving standards in the country. This responsibility requires hard work, commitment to duty, and above all, innovation. It also requires that the necessary physical infrastructure be put in place to support service delivery.

Emphasizing the importance of the DVLA in ensuring vehicle safety and promoting good driving standards, the Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah highlighted the authority's expansion and innovation drive, which includes cutting-edge technologies introduced by the Authority to enhance the processes of issuing driver licenses and vehicle registration. “The Techiman office is part of the DVLA's transformation agenda, joining other modernized offices across the nation to enhance service delivery”, he added.

The Minister underscored the vital role played by the DVLA in road safety and in recent times the introduction of technological innovations, including the new online Vehicle Registration System (VRS). The VRS aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays, enhance security, and integrate seamlessly with the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) databases.

Acknowledging the evolving transport landscape, Hon. Ofori Asiamah stated that the DVLA as part of the ongoing efforts to improve road safety, promote a better understanding of road rules, and create a harmonious environment for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, has revised the Highway Code after 50 years, taking onboard the ever-evolving transport landscape, aiming not only to provide rules but also to cultivate a culture of road safety and responsible driving.

While celebrating the achievements of the DVLA, the Minister urged continued efforts to improve road safety, citing a reduction in road traffic crashes and fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year calling on players within the road safety space not to rest on their paddles but strive for further reductions in crashes.

He called on the DVLA to collaborate closely with the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department to ensure compliance with road safety regulations and ensure that provisions on speeding, wearing of seatbelts and crash helmets and mandatory rest periods for drivers are implemented to the latter.

The Hon. Minister expressed gratitude to Nana Apenten Fosu Gyeabour II, Hansuahene of Techiman for providing the land for the construction of the office.

The new office is expected to play a crucial role in promoting excellence and innovation in driver licensing and vehicle registration in the authority's ongoing efforts to enhance services and contribute to road safety in Ghana.