DVLA impounds 40 vehicles over fake DP stickers at Tema Harbour

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has impounded 40 vehicles at Tema Harbour after uncovering the use of fake and improperly applied Drive from Port (DP) stickers in a targeted enforcement operation.

According to the Authority, the exercise was intelligence-led and formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on irregularities within Ghana’s vehicle importation and registration system. The operation revealed that while some of the vehicles were fitted with completely fraudulent DP stickers, others bore genuine stickers that did not correspond with official DVLA records, raising serious concerns about data integrity and compliance.

Preliminary investigations have indicated that the affected vehicles were imported into Ghana by CFAO. However, DVLA officials clarified that the discrepancies do not appear to have originated from the importer directly, but rather during the clearing process at the port.

The Authority explained that evidence points to the involvement of an agent contracted to clear the vehicles on behalf of the company. This agent is suspected to have employed illegal methods, leading to the mismatches and fraudulent documentation identified during the operation.

The DVLA introduced the DP sticker system to replace the old aluminium DP plate system as part of broader reforms aimed at reducing revenue leakages and improving efficiency in vehicle tracking and registration. The transition initially recorded significant success, with a sharp increase in adoption. Issuance of DP stickers reportedly rose from an average of 2,000 per month to approximately 15,000 in October 2025, reflecting improved compliance and enforcement at the time.

However, in recent months, the Authority observed a noticeable decline in the number of DP stickers being issued at the ports. This unexpected drop raised red flags among officials and prompted further investigations, ultimately leading to the discovery of the fraudulent practices at Tema Harbour.

In response to the findings, the DVLA says it is collaborating closely with National Security to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The goal is to identify all individuals and entities involved and to dismantle any networks facilitating such illegal activities within the vehicle importation chain.

The Authority emphasised that maintaining accurate and reliable vehicle data is critical to national development. Proper documentation, it noted, plays a key role in ensuring road safety, enhancing traceability of vehicles, preventing criminal activities, and supporting the formulation of effective transport and regulatory policies.

“Maintaining data integrity from the point of entry through to final registration remains a key priority,” the DVLA stated, underscoring its commitment to strengthening oversight mechanisms.

The DVLA has also issued a strong advisory to vehicle importers, clearing agents, and other industry stakeholders to strictly adhere to established regulations and carry out due diligence in all transactions. It warned that failure to comply with the rules will attract sanctions.

Reaffirming its stance, the Authority noted that, in collaboration with National Security, it remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s vehicle administration system and preventing further revenue losses to the state.