Embossers caution against rushed implementation of new RFID number‑plate system, call for six-month pause for stakeholder consultation
The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has formally petitioned the Transport Minister to suspend the planned nationwide introduction of digitally-enabled vehicle number plates, citing potential job losses for over 3,000 workers in the embossment industry and alleging inadequate stakeholder consultation.
- VEMAG argues that the digitised number-plate rollout — spearheaded by the DVLA — threatens the livelihood of more than 3,000 workers who currently depend on the embossment industry for their income.
- The group claims that, historically, they have been the legally recognised embosser of vehicle plates in Ghana, having pre-financed past productions for the DVLA and regularly fulfilled tax obligations.
- VEMAG said the transition appears to favour foreign contractors, sidelining local businesses, and called the proposed rollout “poorly coordinated” and lacking in proper local stakeholder engagement.
- As a result, VEMAG is requesting a six-month suspension of the digitisation programme to allow for planning, training, and thorough engagement with affected parties before implementation.
- According to the DVLA, the new number plates will be equipped with RFID chips and digitised features beginning with vehicles registered after 1 January 2026, with full re-registration for existing vehicles expected to commence on 1 April 2026.
- The reform aims to improve vehicle identification, support electronic tolling, speed monitoring, and enhance road safety and security — in line with the broader digitisation agenda for Ghana’s transport sector.
- As part of the reform, the traditional display of the year of registration on license plates will be replaced by a regional/zonal code system, and new “owner-based” registration rules will be introduced to strengthen accountability and curb plate duplication or smuggling.
- They argue that the lack of local stakeholder consultation undermines the legitimacy and smooth implementation of the reform.
- The association warns that a rushed rollout could result in chaos on the roads — confusion among vehicle owners, disruption for embossers, and potential delays as demand surges once older plates are phased out.
- They call for a gradual — not abrupt — transition that allows time for training, public sensitisation, and integration of existing local embossers into the new system.
- Whether the Transport Ministry and DVLA will respond to VEMAG’s petition and consider delaying the rollout.
- The reaction of other stakeholders — commercial transport operators, private vehicle owners, and civil-society groups — especially regarding job security and public interest.
- How DVLA plans to integrate local embossers (if at all) into the new system, or whether outsourcing/foreign contracting becomes central.
- Broader impact on Ghana’s transport-digitisation plans: will reforms proceed despite resistance, or be adjusted to accommodate local players?
Source: My News Ghana
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