The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has filed a High Court injunction in Accra to restrain the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) from implementing a new digital vehicle number plate registration system, scheduled to take effect in January 2026.
The DVLA had announced the introduction of the new plate system; however, VEMAG, on behalf of its members including BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other plaintiffs, contends that this move is unprecedented and violates established practices.
According to VEMAG, the DVLA’s decision to award both manufacturing and embossing contracts to a single entity, Dr. Nyarko Esumadu Appiah of Original Manufacturing and Embossment (also known as Daasebre), contravenes the law.
The association asserts that approvals granted to embossers over the past three decades constitute an enforceable contract, which the DVLA has neither revoked nor withdrawn.
VEMAG alleges that the DVLA failed to advertise tenders or obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority, thereby violating the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
Describing the decision as illegal, discriminatory, and an abuse of administrative authority, the plaintiffs argue that it could have severe socio-economic consequences, particularly given that dozens of Ghanaian-owned embossing companies have invested heavily in the sector and employ over 3,000 workers nationwide.
VEMAG also expresses concerns about potential public inconvenience resulting from disruptions to vehicle registrations and plate issuance at the start of the year.
The plaintiffs note that members have acquired specialized embossing equipment at significant cost and have historically pre-financed plate production before receiving payment from the DVLA.
In addition to seeking to restrain the digital number plate rollout, VEMAG is requesting the court to compel the DVLA to continue engaging licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond and to award costs including solicitors’ fees.
The High Court has yet to rule on the injunction application.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
