DVLA Opens New Office in Tumu: 7 Key Benefits for Drivers and Vehicle Owners

DVLA Opens New Office in Tumu to Improve Licensing Services and Road Safety

The DVLA opens new office in Tumu initiative marks a significant step in improving access to driver and vehicle licensing services in Ghana’s Upper West Region. The new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office is expected to reduce travel time for residents, strengthen road safety, improve border security and support the government’s decentralisation agenda.

The office was officially inaugurated in Tumu, the capital of the Sissala East Municipality, bringing essential DVLA services closer to thousands of residents who previously travelled to Wa for vehicle registration and driver’s licence services.

DVLA Opens New Office in Tumu to Deepen Decentralisation

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing described the opening of the office as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to decentralising public services.

He explained that for many years residents of the Sissala enclave had to travel long distances to Wa to register vehicles or obtain driver’s licences.

According to him, decentralisation is not simply about relocating government offices but about creating economic opportunities, supporting businesses and increasing investor confidence in local communities.

He also announced that plans are underway for the DVLA to establish another office in the Jirapa Municipality to further improve access to licensing services across the Upper West Region.

New DVLA Office Will Modernise Licensing Services

DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey said the decision to establish the Tumu office was driven by necessity rather than convenience.

He explained that the Authority is modernising its operations through digital systems and data-driven services in partnership with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.

According to him, the upgraded system will ensure that vehicle registrations and driver’s licences accurately reflect roadworthy vehicles and qualified drivers.

He also urged staff of the new office to maintain professionalism when serving customers.

“The building will fade into the background the moment a client is being served badly. What they will remember is how you treated them,” he told staff.

Traditional Leaders Welcome the New Office

The Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area, Kuoro Richard Babineh Kanton IV, welcomed the establishment of the DVLA office and said it would contribute significantly to improving road safety.

He noted that the municipality has experienced several fatal motorcycle accidents over the years and expressed confidence that improved licensing services would encourage safer driving practices.

The Traditional Council also pledged to provide land for a permanent DVLA office and staff accommodation to support the Authority’s long-term operations.

In addition, the Paramount Chief appealed to DVLA management to provide employment and internship opportunities for qualified young people in the municipality.

Border Security and Vehicle Fraud Prevention

Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, Mohammed Issah Bataglia, urged the DVLA to strengthen cooperation with the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division and other security agencies.

He said Tumu’s location as a border town makes effective vehicle registration and monitoring critical in combating vehicle fraud, smuggling and revenue losses.

The MP also encouraged the Authority to introduce mobile licensing services to serve remote communities and market centres so that more residents can access DVLA services without travelling long distances.

New Registration Prefix for Tumu

With the opening of the office, all vehicle registration plates issued in Tumu will carry the prefix “UT”, followed by their unique registration numbers.

The new registration code officially identifies vehicles registered through the Tumu DVLA office.

Traditional Honour for DVLA Chief Executive

During the ceremony, the Tumu Traditional Council recognised the contribution of DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey toward establishing the office.

He was adopted as a son and Prince of Tumu and presented with a symbolic woven royal smock in appreciation of his efforts.

What the New DVLA Office Means for Residents

The DVLA opens new office in Tumu initiative is expected to transform access to licensing services for residents across the Sissala enclave. Instead of travelling to Wa for vehicle registration and driver’s licences, motorists can now complete these services within their municipality.

The new office is also expected to improve road safety, strengthen vehicle registration systems, support border security efforts and contribute to local economic development as Ghana continues expanding public services through decentralisation.

This latest expansion reinforces the DVLA’s commitment to modernising licensing services while bringing government services closer to communities across the country.

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