The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has impounded 40 vehicles at Tema Harbour following an intelligence-led operation that uncovered the use of fraudulent Drive from Port (DP) stickers, as well as genuine stickers affixed to vehicles with mismatched records.
In a statement issued on April 17, the DVLA said preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicles were imported into Ghana by a company. However, evidence suggests that an agent engaged to clear the vehicles on the company’s behalf allegedly used illegal methods, resulting in the discrepancies identified.
The Authority explained that the introduction of DP stickers formed part of broader reforms aimed at curbing revenue leakages associated with the previous aluminium DP plate system.
Following the reform, the DVLA recorded a significant surge in DP sticker issuance, rising from an average of 2,000 per month to about 15,000 in October 2025.
In recent months, however, a decline in issuance volumes at the ports raised red flags, prompting further investigations that culminated in the latest operation.
The DVLA said it is working closely with National Security to investigate the matter and intensify efforts to clamp down on fraudulent practices within the vehicle importation and registration chain.
The Authority stressed the importance of maintaining accurate vehicle data to ensure road safety, improve traceability, and support effective transport policy decisions, noting that data integrity from the point of entry to final registration is critical.
It also urged vehicle importers and other stakeholders to exercise due diligence and strictly adhere to established procedures.
The DVLA reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with National Security, to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle administration system and preventing further abuses within the sector.
