DV Plates Go: VADUG demands forensic audit of DVLA over missing trade plates

The Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) is demanding an immediate and independent forensic audit of the current edition of DV trade plates by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), citing a massive shortfall in allocations to genuine dealers.

Speaking to the press at VADUG’s Annual General Meeting in Accra, Tema General Secretary Kofi Asamoah said the union has “grave concerns regarding the administration and distribution of DVLA DV trade plates” and is calling for full transparency.

Under Regulation 23 of L.I. 2180, DV trade plates are exclusively reserved for registered motor traders, automobile dealers, fleet owners, and licensed garages. It is illegal for private individuals to use DV plates for personal commuting or daily use.

“This is not a grey area — it is the law,” Mr. Asamoah stated. “Yet the facts speak for themselves.” He revealed that approximately 90,000 DV plates have been produced in the current edition, covering plates numbered 9999 with no prefix, and prefixes A through J.

However, VADUG, which represents the majority of automobile dealers in Ghana, received only 1,500 copies. Ten other dealer unions received between 300 and 1,000 copies each.

According to VADUG, the total allocation to genuine dealers and recognised groups amounts to no more than 17,000 plates.

“The question is simple: where did the remaining 73,000 plates go?” Mr. Asamoah asked. He alleged that DV plates have become a resource exploited by politicians and well-connected individuals for personal use, in direct violation of the law.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region