The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has defended the Authority’s decision to construct a hospital for its staff, amid public debate over whether the move falls outside the DVLA’s core mandate.
The proposed hospital project has attracted mixed reactions, with critics arguing that the DVLA should concentrate solely on vehicle registration and driver licensing.
However, addressing journalists, Mr. Kotey said the initiative is consistent with practices adopted by other state institutions, including the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
According to him, the facility will not be limited to DVLA staff but will also be accessible to members of the general public. He noted that the hospital’s primary focus will be the provision of orthopedic services, which he described as critical given the increasing number of road traffic-related injuries in the country.
Mr. Kotey also disclosed that the Authority recorded a significant improvement in its financial performance in 2025, registering a 39 percent increase in revenue.
He attributed the growth to the implementation of innovative policies and operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
Meanwhile, the DVLA is set to introduce a demerit points system this year as part of measures to improve road safety.
Under the new system, drivers who engage in reckless or dangerous driving will lose points. Drivers whose points are completely depleted will have their licences withdrawn.
Mr. Kotey explained that affected drivers will only be allowed back on the road after undergoing retraining at accredited driving schools.
He said the initiative is aimed at promoting responsible driving and reducing road crashes and fatalities across the country.
The DVLA says the reforms form part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and modernize the Authority’s operations.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
