The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has called for discipline and transparency in road safety enforcement, saying there should be “no protocols” to bypass the system when it comes to saving lives on Ghana’s roads.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Kotey addressed widespread concerns about DVLA operations, particularly roadside checks, infractions, and the imposition of delinquency fees.
He acknowledged that the authority faces public mistrust and admitted that there is a negative public perception that must be tackled head-on.
“We also realise that the public has this stereotype and misconception about DVLA. They feel we’re corrupt, we’re thieves, and I think that things must change,” he said.
Mr Kotey stressed that efforts to enforce traffic laws are not targeted at inconveniencing motorists but are meant to protect lives.
He revealed that he often receives phone calls from friends complaining about being stopped by DVLA officers.
“Sometimes they bring people to the office, and I don’t want to mingle with what happens over there. It’s their work that is being done. My friends call me and say, ‘your boys have arrested me; your boys are this and that’, and I say, 'My brother, it is your life I am trying to save. Let’s do what is right',” he explained.
He emphasised the need for fairness and consistency in the licensing process, warning that bending rules to favour certain individuals could lead to fatal consequences.
“At DVLA, we should do away with protocols. I encouraged the health sector to do the same. Because when I give you a licence and you don’t know how to drive, it is just like giving a gun to an armed robber to protect the community. You are going to have issues on the road,” he said.
He insisted that all drivers must meet the right standards, adding that faulty vehicles and unqualified drivers pose serious threats to public safety.
“When your car suspension is not good, your tyres are not good; you don’t expect me to tell my workers to let you go. I will tell them to encourage you to go and do what is right,” he added.
Mr Kotey urged Ghanaians to be truthful and uphold basic standards of right and wrong.
“We have to be frank with Ghana. We can’t defend everything. What is not right is not right; what is right is right,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
CJ’s powers too excessive, prone to political abuse – Prof. Prempeh calls for urgent reforms
3 minutes -
Mahama inaugurates committee to oversee handover of UGMC to UG
4 minutes -
Joao Pedro double sends Chelsea into Club World Cup finals
21 minutes -
Former Arsenal sporting director Edu joins Nottingham Forest
32 minutes -
KNUST Animal Science Dept trains experts to enhance poultry productionin Ghana
39 minutes -
Newmont Ahafo South mine allocates $34m for road construction between 2025 and 2028
2 hours -
‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ Initiative: Poultry farmers association worried over no government engagement
2 hours -
Ablekuma North: How can police provide security for rerun but not collation? – Nana B asks
2 hours -
ECG deploys emergency teams to stabilise power supply in Obuasi
2 hours -
EC’s attempt to rerun Ablekuma North election illegal, in contempt of court – Nana B
2 hours -
Construction of new transmission line to deal with low voltages begins in Kumasi and Dunkwa Mining enclave
2 hours -
DJ Black resumes Musik Box seat as Hitz FM unveils line-up overhaul
2 hours -
KNUST students’ parliament calls for greater national support for youth development
2 hours -
EOCO releases former Buffer Stock CEO Abdul‑Wahab Hannan
3 hours -
Identify the needy and support them under ‘No-Fees-Stress-Policy’ – Prof Aryeetey
3 hours