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🇬🇭 Ghana /Economy & Trade

DVLA Seizes 40 Vehicles Over Fake DP Stickers at Tema Harbour

From Ghanaian Times · (6d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ghana's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) impounded 40 vehicles at Tema Harbour for using fake or mismatched Drive from Port (DP) stickers.
  • The operation targeted fraud in the vehicle importation process, where some vehicles used counterfeit stickers while others had genuine ones not matching records.
  • The DVLA is collaborating with National Security to investigate the alleged use of illegal methods by an agent clearing vehicles for CFAO and to prevent future fraud.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has taken decisive action against fraudulent practices within the vehicle importation sector, impounding 40 vehicles at Tema Harbour. This intelligence-led operation underscores the DVLA's commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana's vehicle registration system and combating revenue leakages.

The operation, according to the DVLA, was intelligence-led and aimed at clamping down on fraud in the vehicle importation process.

— DVLAExplaining the purpose and nature of the operation.

Officials uncovered the use of both counterfeit and improperly applied Drive from Port (DP) stickers, indicating a sophisticated scheme to bypass legitimate procedures. These stickers are crucial for tracking vehicles and ensuring compliance, and their misuse represents a significant threat to national security and revenue collection. The vehicles in question were reportedly imported by CFAO, with an agent allegedly employing illegal methods during the clearance process.

Officials say some of the vehicles were using counterfeit DP stickers, while others had genuine stickers that did not match their records.

— DVLA OfficialsDetailing the specific fraudulent methods discovered.

The DVLA's investigation revealed a concerning trend: a sharp decline in the number of DP stickers being issued, which prompted a deeper probe. The transition from the older DP plate system to the new sticker system was intended to curb revenue leakages, with monthly issuances previously soaring to around 15,000. The recent dip signaled a potential problem that the DVLA has now addressed proactively.

The Authority explained that DP stickers were introduced to replace the old aluminium DP plate system, which was prone to revenue leakages.

— DVLAProviding background on the DP sticker system.

This crackdown is not merely about seizing vehicles; it is about reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to established regulations. The DVLA's collaboration with National Security signals the seriousness of the matter. By maintaining accurate vehicle records, the authority aims to enhance road safety, improve vehicle tracking, and facilitate effective transport planning for the benefit of all Ghanaians. The DVLA assures the public of its unwavering dedication to a transparent and secure vehicle registration process.

However, the DVLA said it recently observed a sharp decline in the number of DP stickers being issued at the ports, which raised concerns and triggered further investigations.

— DVLAExplaining the trigger for the investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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