By Adnan Adams Mohammed
For decades, the mention of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana conjured images of endless queues, sweltering heat, and the omnipresent “goro boys” lurking in the shadows of the yard.
It was a bureaucratic fortress that many citizens approached with a sense of dread.
Fast forward to 2026, and a quiet but radical revolution has taken hold at the Authority’s Weija headquarters and beyond. At the center of this transformation is Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer whose leadership has turned a “bureaucratic dinosaur” into a modern, tech-driven powerhouse.
From Debt to Digital Dominance
When Mr. Kotey took the helm in January 2025, he didn’t inherit a polished machine. Instead, he met a staggering financial crisis—a debt totaling over $200 million in foreign currency and GH¢300 million locally. His first order of business wasn’t just survival; it was a total “review, reset, and restore.”
Within just one year, the results are undeniable:
Revenue Growth: A massive 37% increase in revenue by the end of 2025 alone.
Efficiency: The clearance of a 440,000-backlog of driver’s licenses that had frustrated Ghanaians for years.
Modernization: The replacement of chaotic aluminum “Drive From Port” (DP) plates with secure, digital DP Stickers featuring embedded QR codes.
Bringing the DVLA to Your Doorstep
Perhaps the most “compelling” aspect of Kotey’s tenure is the decentralization of services. Under his leadership, the DVLA has moved from the gated offices of Accra to the hearts of local communities.
The 24-Hour Economy in Action: Aligning with national goals, Kotey launched Ghana’s first 24-hour public service centers, starting in Adenta. Citizens can now renew licenses or register vehicles at 2:00 AM, making the “come tomorrow” excuse a thing of the past.
Going Global: Recognizing the Ghanaian diaspora, the DVLA has expanded its reach with international offices in London, Hamburg, Dubai, Toronto, and Washington. This ensures that Ghanaians abroad can renew their documentation without the “trauma” of long-distance middlemen.
Community Outreach: From lorry terminal engagements to new offices in places like Mankessim and Bawjiase, the goal is clear: eliminate the “goro boys” by making the official service more accessible than the illegal alternative.
The 2026 Vision: Smart Plates and Birthday Licenses
Never one to rest on past laurels, Kotey recently announced a suite of forward-thinking reforms that are set to redefine road safety and compliance in Ghana.
“My driving philosophy has always been that the day you recognize there is something wrong is the day of ratification,” Kotey noted during a recent stakeholder engagement.
In January 2026, the Authority began rolling out RFID-embedded number plates. These “detective” plates are not just for identification; they enable real-time verification, help track stolen vehicles, and support the national toll system. Furthermore, in a move praised for its simplicity, driver’s licenses will now expire on the holder’s birthday, supported by an automated SMS notification system to remind motorists before their credentials lapse.
A Leadership Built on Empathy
Beyond the software and the security chips, Julius Neequaye Kotey’s leadership is defined by a commitment to the human element. Whether it’s pledging better healthcare and promotion structures for his staff or his “National Service to CEO” journey, he leads with the perspective of someone who has seen the system from every angle.
As the DVLA continues its evolution into a world-class institution, one thing is certain: under Julius Neequaye Kotey, the “license to believe” in efficient public service has finally been issued to all Ghanaians.
