The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana had planned to introduce a new digital vehicle number plate registration system, initially scheduled for rollout on January 2, 2026. This modernization effort, aimed at enhancing efficiency, security, and traceability in vehicle registration, was met with strong opposition from the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG).

On Monday, December 22, 2025, BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other members of VEMAG filed an injunction application at the High Court in Accra. They sought to restrain the DVLA from implementing the digitalized vehicle number plate system or any new registration system from January 2026, arguing that the DVLA's decision to award both the manufacture and embossment of number plates to a single company, Dr Nyarko Esumadu Appiah of Original Manufacturing and Embossment (also known as Daasebre), represented an unprecedented departure from long-standing practice and violated existing contractual arrangements with licensed embossers. VEMAG's plaintiffs also requested that the DVLA be prevented from introducing any alternative arrangement for the embossment and supply of number plates outside the current framework involving them.

VEMAG further alleged that the DVLA had not been transparent in its approach and was unwilling to continue consultations despite prior assurances to embossers regarding the digital transition. They claimed the DVLA did not advertise for tenders nor obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority for sole-sourcing the contract, thereby violating the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663). The association described this decision as illegal, discriminatory, and an abuse of administrative authority, particularly for overlooking numerous Ghanaian-owned companies that had invested heavily in the sector, including acquiring specialized embossment equipment costing between GHc70,000 and GHc1 million per unit. Additionally, VEMAG stated that the DVLA still owed some of its members arrears for plates already produced and that the Authority's refusal to allocate blank registration plates for 2026 was unlawful and a breach of contract, disrupting normal production cycles.

Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, reacted strongly to the injunction at a press conference on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. He expressed surprise at the legal action, noting that the company awarded the contract had expressed willingness to collaborate with existing embossment companies, while those who did not win the contract had resorted to court. Mr. Kotey insisted that the DVLA followed due process in awarding the contract and was fully prepared to defend its decision in court. He stressed that the reforms were necessary and in the public interest, reiterating that while the DVLA remained open to engagement, it would not abandon efforts to modernize the vehicle registration regime.

However, despite the legal challenge, the DVLA subsequently announced the suspension of the rollout, which was originally slated for January 2, 2026. The Authority clarified that this suspension was primarily due to the failure to secure necessary legislative amendments, rather than the court injunction. Specifically, while Parliament successfully amended the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), the specific provisions required in the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which dictates the contents and format of vehicle plates, had not been passed before Parliament went on recess on Friday, December 19, 2025. The DVLA stated that it could not proceed with the rollout of the new RFID-embedded licence plates until these legislative requirements were fully settled.

In light of the suspension, the DVLA announced that owners of vehicles currently using Departure from Port (DP) stickers and DV plates may continue using them up to a time limit to be communicated in due course, ensuring continuity and compliance with existing road traffic regulations. The Authority reassured the public that this decision does not affect the long-term plan to introduce modern RFID-enabled licence plates, which are designed to improve traceability and road safety. The DVLA thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation, urging vehicle owners to continue abiding by existing licensing rules while awaiting further updates on the new system, whose implementation now awaits judicial determination and legislative completion.