VEMAG Sues DVLA Over New Digital Number Plate System
The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has petitioned the High Court in Accra for an injunction to block the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) from implementing its planned digital vehicle number plate registration system set to launch in January 2026.
The suit, filed on Monday, December 22, 2025, was brought by BEMENCO Embossment Ltd together with 26 other members of the association.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to restrain the DVLA from implementing any alternative arrangements for the embossment and supply of vehicle number plates outside the existing framework that involves licensed private embossers.
VEMAG argues that the DVLA’s decision to award both the manufacturing and embossment of vehicle number plates to a single entity—Dr Nyarko Esumadu Appiah of Original Manufacturing and Embossment, also known as Daasebre—is unprecedented and contrary to long-standing industry practice.
According to the association, approvals granted to licensed embossers over the past three decades constitute an enforceable contractual relationship which, they argue, has neither been revoked nor lawfully withdrawn by the DVLA.
The plaintiffs further allege that the DVLA failed to advertise the contract or obtain the required approval from the Public Procurement Authority, thereby violating the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
VEMAG describes the decision as illegal, discriminatory, and an abuse of administrative authority, stressing that dozens of Ghanaian-owned embossing companies have made significant financial investments in the sector.
The association warned that the DVLA’s actions could have serious socio-economic consequences, noting that its members collectively employ more than 3,000 workers nationwide. It also cautioned that motorists could face inconvenience at the beginning of 2026 if vehicle registration and number plate issuance are disrupted.
According to the plaintiffs, licensed embossers were required to acquire specialised equipment costing between GH¢70,000 and GH¢1 million per unit and have historically pre-financed the production of number plates before receiving payment from the DVLA.
In addition to seeking an order to halt the rollout of the digital number plate system, VEMAG is asking the court to compel the DVLA to continue engaging licensed embossers from 2026 onwards, award costs including solicitors’ fees, and grant any other relief the court deems appropriate.
The High Court has not yet ruled on the injunction application.
Read more:
Frim Pong
Comments ()