The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has revealed that it inherited over 440,000 pending driver’s licence applications, a backlog that raised significant operational and security concerns.

To address the problem, the Authority established a 24-hour operational centre to centralise licence processing, speed up issuance, and prevent unauthorised access and the circulation of fake licences.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, February 13, Director of Corporate Affairs Stephen Attuh said the intervention has cleared about 400,000 applications.

Despite this progress, some applicants continue to complain that they have been waiting for their licences since 2023.

To further ease the backlog, the DVLA has expanded its 24-hour operations with a new centre at Adenta. Similar round-the-clock services are also running at the ports in Takoradi and Tema to reduce pressure on the system.

“Upon assuming office, the CEO noticed over 440,000 pending licence applications. He commissioned a 24-hour centre to centralise operations and secure the system against unauthorised access and fake licences,” Mr. Attuh explained.

He added, “We aim to operate our regional offices on a 24-hour basis. Where this isn’t possible, we run extended two-shift services and will expand fully once demand increases.”