The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commissioned a premium service centre at Bantama in Kumasi, a move aimed at bringing its services closer to residents and reducing the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “goro boys”.

The Chief Executive of the Authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, said the establishment of the new facility forms part of efforts to improve service delivery and enhance transparency in line with the government’s ‘Reset Agenda’.

“These new DVLA offices signify our commitment to bringing services closer to the people and minimising the activities of goro boys within our system.

“We will not fight them with police action, but by expanding our presence and making our services directly accessible to the public, their activities will naturally decline,” he stated.

Mr. Kotey explained that the Bantama office was established through a collaboration between the DVLA and Midcity Auto Service under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

“We acknowledge the immense support received from Midcity Auto Service and our private partners. Their contribution made it possible to complete this facility, which we are proud to open to the public today,” he added.

He emphasised that ensuring road safety remains a key priority of the Authority, noting that every driver must be properly trained, tested and certified, while all vehicles must be duly registered and approved before being allowed on the road.

According to him, the new Bantama office will provide a full range of DVLA services, including vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, issuance of new driver’s licences, licence upgrading, renewal of licences, replacement of expired or lost licences, and conversion of foreign licences.

He noted that the facility is equipped with modern technology integrated into the DVLA’s digital systems to ensure faster, efficient and more convenient service delivery.

Mr. Kotey further disclosed that the office will also embark on community outreach programmes to extend DVLA services to residents in surrounding communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel to access essential services.

Chief Operating Officer of Midcity Auto Service, Agya Poku, said the partnership will provide clients with comprehensive services at one location.

“This centre offers an all-inclusive service. We have a private vehicle testing station to assess the roadworthiness of vehicles before registration and an eye testing centre to examine applicants’ vision before issuing licences. With these facilities in one place, clients can complete all DVLA processes conveniently,” he explained.

The commissioning of the Bantama office is expected to significantly improve access to DVLA services in Kumasi and its environs while promoting efficiency, transparency and road safety compliance.