The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has declared that the anticipated launch of a new vehicle number plate system in 2026 aims to reduce smuggling and prevent the registration of vehicles that evade import duties.
This initiative comes in response to recent incidents of cars being smuggled into the West African sub-region, especially in Ghana.
In May 2025, an operation led by INTERPOL, named “Safe Wheels,” successfully dismantled a significant vehicle trafficking network in West Africa, uncovering approximately 150 stolen vehicles and confiscating over 75 across 12 nations, including Ghana and Nigeria.
The two-week operation also initiated 18 new investigations and revealed two organized crime syndicates. The majority of the vehicles were trafficked from Canada, while others were stolen from France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer of DVLA, stated in a message posted on Facebook on Monday, August 25, 2025, that the new plates will incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and will be directly connected to a central database, thereby making it impossible to register “Togo cars” or vehicles that have entered the country without the necessary documentation.
“The new system will guarantee that every vehicle can be verified against our database. In this manner, smuggled cars or those that have evaded duty payments cannot go undetected,” he elaborated.
As per the DVLA, the plates are part of a wider reform initiative aimed at tightening vehicle regulations and modernizing Ghana’s transportation sector. The RFID capability will also assist law enforcement in tracking stolen vehicles or those involved in criminal activities.
In addition to enhancing security, the DVLA emphasized that the plates will facilitate seamless toll collection in the future, as the embedded chip will enable automated and contactless payments at toll booths. Furthermore, the new plates will replace the year of registration with a regional code, simplifying the identification of a vehicle’s origin. Additional safety features include a reflective surface for improved visibility during nighttime and adverse weather conditions.
Mr. Kotey emphasized that while the rollout is scheduled for 2026, the design and security specifications are currently being evaluated to guarantee that the system complies with both national and international standards.
“This initiative encompasses more than merely license plates — it aims to establish a secure, transparent, and contemporary vehicle management system that serves the interests of both drivers and the wider community,” he further stated.
