The Diver and Vehicle License Authority (DVLA) inaugurated a modern, purpose‑built service centre in Asamankese, a move aimed at relieving long‑standing stress for motorists in the West Akyem Municipal and creating new employment opportunities for local youth.
The “Altra” office, was officially opened by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Paulina Akabila, who praised the Ghanaian President H.E John Dramani Mahama for championing the needs of drivers and citizens of the region.
“Thank you, President, for thinking of drivers and ordinary Ghanaians in West Akyem. This institution will not only cut down travel times for licence renewal but also provide jobs for our young people,” MCE Akabila said during the ribbon‑cutting ceremony.
Lower West Akyem Member of Parliament Owen Kwame Frimpong addressed the gathering, thanking the DVLA’s chief director for the new facility. He noted that the distance many drivers must travel to the nearest DVLA office has historically sparked misunderstandings with traffic police and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) over licence and vehicle documentation.
“For years, motorists have had to journey hundreds of kilometres to renew licences, a burden that has caused needless friction with the police,” Kwame Frimpong remarked. “I urge the staff at Asamankese to adopt a culture of maintenance to keep the office clean, welcoming and, most importantly, customer‑focused. When we put the driver first, the whole system works better.”
He added that the new centre will be a training ground for fresh talent and encouraged future employees to view the public as partners rather than paperwork.
In his inaugural speech, DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey reflected on the Authority’s accelerated growth since he assumed office. He disclosed that at that time the DVLA operated 34 offices in the country . Within a single year, the network has swelled by 13 additional centers and we are looking forward to at least add 30 offices by the end of this year
“Over the past twelve months we have added new offices, a testament to our commitment to bring services closer to the people,” Kotey said. “In Asamankese we are proud to open the Altra office, the latest in a series of facilities that will transform how Ghanaians interact with the DVLA.”
Backlog clearance, “we have cleared an estimated 444,000 pending driver‑licence applications in the past year, dramatically reducing waiting times.” 24‑hour service rollout, “we launched a 24‑hour service pilot in Adenta, Accra, and, beginning in April this year, every regional office will operate around the clock to accommodate working motorists.”
“Before, I had to drive to Koforidua just to get my licence renewed. This new office will save me time and money,” said Kwabena Mensah, a commercial driver from Asamankese .
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
