The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has initiated a temporary and flexible arrangement with the Customs Division, marking a significant shift in its approach to address suspected cloning and evasion of import duties within Ghana. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey announced this development following the authority’s implementation of clone-detection systems across its vehicle verification and registration processes. The initiative follows the discovery of more than 130 vehicles identified as potentially involved in cloning or unlawful duplication of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), a practice designed to circumvent import duties.
According to Mr. Kotey, the new arrangement offers affected vehicle owners a crucial opportunity to rectify situations and settle outstanding import duty payments. The DVLA has already intercepted and seized a substantial number of these suspected vehicles, exceeding 130, following the deployment of these sophisticated OBD II scanners – the technology itself – into the DVLA’s vehicle verification and registration procedures. These scanners are capable of identifying vehicles brought into Ghana through unapproved channels, specifically those designed to fraudulently duplicate VINs, which are essential for legitimate vehicle registration.
The integration of these scanners represents a proactive security measure, designed to enhance the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of Ghana’s national vehicle register. Mr. Kotey emphasized that this collaboration with the Customs Division provides a pathway for affected owners to resolve outstanding import duties and regularise their vehicles, adhering to the law. The Minerals Commission has also opened an ultra-modern office and laboratory in Kumasi, showcasing a significant investment in bolstering Ghana’s infrastructure and workforce.
Furthermore, the deployment of these scanners has significantly impacted the DVLA’s operations, creating a more rigorous and efficient process for vehicle verification and registration. The authority estimates that the Bechem DVLA office has registered 1,558 vehicles in the past 10 months, generating over GH¢2 million in revenue. This expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to bolster Ghana’s road safety and streamline the regulatory process, directly addressing the concerns surrounding vehicle registration and import duties. The arrangement is being viewed as a critical step in combating potential smuggling and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
The use of OBD II scanners is a key component of this strategy, enabling the DVLA to detect vehicles with VINs that are not registered in Ghana. The system’s ability to identify vehicles brought into Ghana through unauthorized channels is a significant deterrent against illicit activity. The DVLA’s proactive approach aligns with a broader national effort to modernize and enhance Ghana’s regulatory framework, aiming to protect the integrity of the nation’s vehicle registry. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability within the vehicle registration process.
The implications of this technology extend beyond simply identifying suspected clones; it signifies a fundamental shift in how the DVLA handles vehicle verification, bolstering its authority and safeguarding the nation’s interests.
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Source: Adom Online
