The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has formally petitioned the Ministry of Transport to suspend the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) planned introduction of digitalised vehicle number plates, slated for January 2026.

In a statement signed by Secretary Victor Twum Koranteng, the association accused the DVLA of sidelining key local stakeholders and pursuing a poorly coordinated rollout that could jeopardise the livelihoods of more than 3,000 workers in the embossment industry.

VEMAG emphasised its long-standing role as the legally recognised embosser of vehicle plates in Ghana, noting that it has historically pre-financed production for the DVLA and consistently paid taxes.

The group argued that the transition to digital plates appears to favour foreign contractors over established Ghanaian businesses.

The association further criticised the DVLA CEO for allegedly engaging in international trips and negotiations with foreign companies while neglecting proper local consultation.

VEMAG rejected claims that private embossers are unused elsewhere, citing examples from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria, and pointed out that Ghana’s Road Traffic Act mandates collaboration with private operators.

VEMAG urged a six-month suspension of the digitalisation programme to allow adequate planning, training, and stakeholder engagement, warning that a rushed rollout could result in nationwide confusion.

The association also called on the Ministry of Transport to investigate assertions by the DVLA CEO regarding illegal operators in the sector, stressing that officially recognised embossment firms number fewer than 50 nationwide.

While welcoming technological modernisation, VEMAG insists the process must be gradual and collaborative to safeguard jobs and ensure a smooth national implementation.