DVLA Boss’ Blooper Riles Foreign Ministry

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Government of Ghana are facing a storm of criticism after statements by DVLA Chief Executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, suggested that his outfit intends to send DVLA staff abroad, solely to renew drivers’ licences for Ghanaians in the Diaspora.

The controversial remarks, made during the commissioning of a new DVLA office at Bantama, Kumasi, immediately went viral on social media, igniting a national debate on public service efficiency, government planning and fiscal prudence.

“Some of you DVLA staff will travel overseas to provide services in five countries outside – the US, Canada, Netherlands, UK and Germany. I can see you are smiling…so that is the service we are going to provide,” Julius Kotey declared.

“We have gotten approval from Foreign Affairs…you do not need to come down every year to renew your licence. We will provide all licensing services abroad, though vehicle registration will not be included.”

Public Backlash

Within hours, the CEO’s pronouncements drew sharp criticisms. Citizens and social media users questioned the logistics, cost and necessity of sending DVLA staff overseas, especially given Ghana’s existing embassies in these countries.

On X, commentator Nana Quequ wrote: “This DVLA debacle is just purely bad — no PR will save them. The move is ill-intentioned.”

Other users highlighted the redundancy of the plan and called for transparency in government’s decision-making.

The public outcry forced the DVLA to attempt damage control, but the authority’s explanations only added fuel to the fire.

DVLA First Statement: Denying Staff Deployment Abroad 

Following the viral video, the DVLA issued a statement claiming that media reports had misrepresented the CEO’s remarks.

“It has come to the attention of DVLA management that misleading news headlines have circulated regarding extended services abroad,” the statement read.

The authority explained that the plan did not involve sending DVLA staff overseas, but rather training Ghana’s embassy staff to verify documents, which would then be forwarded to DVLA headquarters in Ghana for processing. Applicants would collect renewed licences from their local embassies.

The statement emphasised that the initiative would initially be piloted in five countries — the US, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK — as part of a broader effort to improve service accessibility for Ghanaians living abroad.

DVLA Second Statement: Backtracking Amid Criticism

Unable to quell the controversy, the DVLA issued a second statement, effectively scrapping the original plan.

“Management is reviewing the proposed approach and exploring alternative options to ensure services remain accessible to all Ghanaians, including those residing abroad. We assure the public that the DVLA remains committed to serving the collective interest of the Ghanaian people and enhancing service delivery,” the statement said.

The reversal drew attention to apparent lapses in communication and planning within the authority. Analysts and citizens alike questioned why the CEO’s statement had been made without clear coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Distances Itself

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was not happy with the development quickly decided to clarify its position, stating that no approval or directive had been given for DVLA staff deployment abroad.

“The Ministry has neither issued a directive to our diplomatic missions abroad nor granted approval to any entity for such an arrangement. We are not aware of any new government policy to that effect,” the ministry said. It added that no formal engagement or financial commitment existed to support such a program, effectively undermining the DVLA’s original claims.

National Conversation on Public Service and Transparency

The unfolding saga has sparked broader discourse on public service delivery, government communication, and transparency. Questions linger about whether DVLA’s announcement was a miscommunication, a poorly thought-out plan or administrative overreach.

As the authority reviews its approach, the public and stakeholders are demanding accountability and a clear framework for extending services to Ghanaians abroad.

For now, the DVLA faces the challenge of restoring credibility while exploring practical, cost-effective alternatives that meet the needs of Ghanaians in the Diaspora.

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