The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has pledged to intensify its crackdown on fake driver’s licences and illegal intermediaries, popularly known as “goro boys”, following concerns about fraudulent licences among ride-hailing drivers.
The authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, told Citi News that the DVLA’s checks indicated that about 75% of licences used by drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms were fake.
Speaking after the commissioning of the authority’s second ultra centre in Kasoa and a new office in Bawjiase, Mr Kotey described the situation as worrying and said the DVLA was working to make legitimate licensing services more accessible.
“One other concern is that 75% of the licences used by ride-hailing drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt and Yango are fake, according to our checks. You can imagine the challenges we are dealing with. We now have to take them through the process of obtaining valid and improved licences. So, do not fall prey to these individuals.
“DVLA is committed to bringing accessible, efficient and customer-focused services closer to the people,” he said.
Mr Kotey said the authority was expanding its network of offices and service centres to reduce reliance on unauthorised intermediaries and curb fraudulent licensing practices. He noted that 31 new centres had been added to the 33 that existed before he assumed office.
He urged drivers and the general public to be wary of individuals who pose as DVLA officials or claim to have the authority to issue driver’s licences.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, urged the DVLA to introduce a policy allowing applicants to pay their licensing fees in instalments.
She also urged staff at the newly opened centres to intensify road safety education among drivers and riders in the area.
