Investigations by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), with support from the National Security Secretariat, have uncovered a criminal network involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit DV number plates.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey revealed that investigations conducted over the past two weeks discovered that more than 30,000 fake DV plates had been introduced into circulation, with an estimated street value of GH¢12.51 million.
According to him, the illegal trade in counterfeit number plates costs the country approximately GH¢20 million annually.
Threat to National Security
Mr Kotey explained that the illegal production and use of DV plates go beyond a regulatory violation, warning that they pose a significant threat to national security.
He noted that the practice undermines law enforcement operations and deprives the state of important revenue.
Arrests Made, Others Being Pursued
The DVLA boss disclosed that several suspects have already been arrested in connection with the operation.
“Five suspects have been arrested at Lapaz, Narhman, Haatso, Tarkwa, and Kumasi. They have been arraigned before the court and are currently on remand, with their next court appearance scheduled for March 17, 2026. Additional suspects identified in the intelligence chain remain at large and National Security is actively pursuing them,” he said.
RFID Technology to Combat Fake Plates
To address the growing problem, Mr Kotey announced that the DVLA will soon introduce RFID chip-embedded number plates to strengthen vehicle identification and verification.
The technology, he explained, will allow authorities to instantly authenticate vehicle registration data through secure electronic identification systems.
He also warned the public to be vigilant when acquiring DV plates, noting that some counterfeit plates carry fake QR codes.
“If you scan the fake QR code, it directs you to an address in the UK which has no correlation with the plate. If you are buying or issuing a DV plate, look at it carefully. The ones with a shining background are fake plates,” he cautioned.
Mr Kotey added that the DVLA is strengthening enforcement operations across the country.
“We are building the capacity and intelligence of our enforcement teams on the roads. When vehicles approach checkpoints, officers will take physical possession of the trade license plates and examine them to determine whether they are genuine or fake,” he stated.