THE Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) officially launched its National Community Outreach initiative in Accra yesterday to improve public access to its services while deepening awareness of road safety and regulatory compliance.
The initiative combines public education road safety and licensing regulations with on-the-spot DVLA services, including the issuance, renewal, and replacement of driver’s licence.
It would span selected regions across the country with targeted engagement at lorry stations, corporate institutions, religious organisations, and other interested groups.
The initiative was on the theme, “Educating for a safer tomorrow”.
Speaking at the launch held at the Neoplan Lorry Station in Accra, the Chief Executive of the DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, said previous initiatives of the DVLA, such as the mobile service and test drive initiatives, had enhanced its service delivery.
Also, he noted that the introduction of a new Drive from Port (DP) sticker with enhanced security features would replace the old DP plates to help modernise the operations of the DVLA, enhance revenue generation, and help address the issue of intermediaries or middlemen who exploited customers.
Mr Kotey said that the National Community Outreach initiative would place a special focus on underserved and remote communities while ensuring equitable access to DVLA services for all Ghanaians.
He added that the DVLA was committed to working with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework for ‘Okada’ riders to operate safely and efficiently while creating economic opportunities for themselves and their families.
The Paramount Chief of Abola, Nii Ahene NunooIII, who represented the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, said the National Community Outreach initiative highlighted the importance of public-centred approach in addressing road safety issues.
He said he was pleased with the collaboration that existed between the DVLA and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, Nii Ahene Nunoo III encouraged drivers, vehicle owners, and the general public to engage with the initiatives and reforms of the DVLA to enhance road safety in the country.
Also, he pleaded with the DVLA to ensure that motorcycle riders were educated on road safety regulations and compliance to help reduce road crashes.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Chief Executive, Services, DVLA, Mr Foster Akwasi Asante, said the DVLA was committed to decentralising its services and addressing issues of driver education.
He thanked King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II for his continued support of the initiatives of the DVLA and road safety issues in the country.
The stakeholders at the event, including representatives of security agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Ambulance Service, and the National Road Safety Authority, pledged their support to the initiative.
They also provided drivers at the Neoplan lorry station with road safety tips to enhance road safety in the country.
BY TIMES REPORTER
