The Acting Deputy Director of Research, Business Development and Innovation at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Albert Wotorgbui, has disclosed that drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms undergo strict verification before being authorised to work on Ghana’s roads.
Speaking at a press briefing on ride-hailing safety on November 5, 2025, he explained that the DVLA collaborates closely with companies such as Bolt to ensure that every driver and vehicle meets the necessary legal and safety requirements.
“When Bolt accepts you or starts registering you as a driver or a vehicle on their platform, they have to come to DVLA for verification of all your documents,” he noted.
He further explained that the verification process covers checks on the driver’s licence, the validity of the vehicle’s roadworthiness certification, and compliance with vehicle standards.
“So, everything concerning you being authorised or licensed to be on the road, DVLA ensures that once Bolt and any other driver services enrol the drivers onto the app, we verify all those people and the vehicles before they start operating on our roads,” he stated.
The DVLA official said the process is part of efforts to enhance safety in the ride-hailing industry and ensure that only qualified drivers and roadworthy vehicles are given approval to operate.
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Ride-hailing contributes to public safety, with 52% of users saying it helps reduce drunk driving by offering a safer transportation option after social events.
Ghanaians increasingly associate ride-hailing with reliability, traceability, and accountability. Safety features that enhance visibility and control are the main drivers of passenger confidence, especially among women and younger users.
MRA/AE
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