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The Ministry of Transport has directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to immediately suspend the introduction of Smart Drivers Licence and Vehicle Registration Cards scheduled to take effect on July 18.
This was contained in a letter dated June 14, 2017 and signed by sector Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah.
The letter was addressed to the Chief Executive of DVLA, Kwasi Agyemang Busia, and copied to the Vice-President Alhaji, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, and Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo.
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In the letter, the Minister explained that “I wish to refer you to the discussion I had with you on the subject for which drew your attention to the need to obtain approval from the Ministry and Cabinet before implementation of such major projects.”
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) had indicated that it will start issuing new biometric driver’s licences from July 18, 2017.
The Chief Executive Officer for the DVLA, Kwesi Agyeman Busia, said that the new license is aimed at getting rid of fake licences and middlemen from the system.
According to him, the new license will have enhanced security features and will contain a chip loaded with the holder’s biometric details.
“This will ensure that people who have made duplication an industry will have it extra difficult to duplicate the licences. It will be practically impossible as it will have enhanced security,” Mr Busia said.
But the Transport Minister has asked the DVLA to submit a memorandum on the projects to the Ministry to enable him to undertake some consultations and seek the necessary approval from Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Drivers Association has threatened to stage a demonstration on July 10, against the government for the planned introduction of the new of Smart Drivers Licence and Vehicle Registration Cards.
According to the drivers, the Smart Drivers Licence would cost GHC450.
The DVLA had indicated that the new license will cost but it is yet to provide figures.