Ghana targets fake licences used by drivers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Ghana Report
Ghana’s driving licence authority says about 75% of licences used by ride-hailing platform drivers are fake. Its chief executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced tighter checks and new service centres to reduce reliance on illegal middlemen, according to Citi News.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana’s driving licence authority, estimates that about 75% of licences used by ride-hailing platform drivers are fake. Its chief executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced tighter checks and a crackdown on illegal middlemen, known as “goro boys”, in an interview with Citi News.
The checks concern drivers for Uber, Bolt and Yango in particular. Julius Neequaye Kotey described the situation as worrying and urged drivers to beware of people presenting themselves as DVLA officials or claiming they can issue licences.
To reduce reliance on these middlemen, the DVLA has opened 31 new centres in addition to the 33 that existed before its chief executive was appointed. The new sites include a second enhanced service centre in Kasoa and an office in Bawjiase.
Awutu Senya West MP Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui asked the DVLA to allow licence fees to be paid in instalments. She also called on staff at the new centres to step up efforts to raise drivers’ and motorcyclists’ awareness of road safety.
