The Winneba Branch Manager of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr. Rowland Coffie Dorkenoo, has expressed optimism about an increase in vehicle registrations in 2026, despite delays in Parliament’s amendment of the Road Traffic Regulations, LI 2181 of 2012.
Speaking in an interview with James Kweku Baako, Online Times reporter, on the first working day of 2026, Mr. Dorkenoo said he was pleasantly surprised by the turnout at the DVLA office, noting that several private vehicle owners and tricycle operators had reported for registration even amid regulatory uncertainties.
“Considering that Parliament could not amend the LI within the expected 21 sitting days before the Christmas break, we anticipated a slowdown. However, we still saw private cars and tricycles lined up for registration on the very first working day of the year,” he said.
Mr. Dorkenoo explained that many vehicle owners who purchased new vehicles in 2025 had postponed registration in anticipation of the new registration regime in 2026. Nonetheless, he said the response so far indicates growing confidence in the existing process.
He assured vehicle owners who have already registered, or are about to register, that they should not regret their decision, stressing that they would still be issued new registration numbers once the amended regulations take effect through the new roadworthy certification system.
“Those who register now will not be disadvantaged. They will receive the new registration numbers later without having to go through unnecessary stress,” he noted, urging vehicle owners who registered before 2023 to visit DVLA offices for “onboarding” to be captured under the new system.
Mr. Dorkenoo also disclosed that the Winneba DVLA office had not experienced the network challenges that affected operations in 2025, attributing the improvement to the provision of reliable standby internet connectivity.
On road safety, he advised drivers to strictly observe traffic regulations, cautioning against overspeeding, wrongful overtaking, and drunk driving to help reduce road casualties in the new year.
The DVLA manager further revealed that in December 2025, the Winneba office conducted pre-registration inspections to ease congestion. In total, 22 cars, 35 motorcycles, and tricycles were inspected.
He identified the activities of illegal middlemen as a major challenge confronting DVLA offices nationwide and cautioned the public against dealing with third parties who often exploit and defraud unsuspecting clients.
Meanwhile, seen on the compound are several vehicles that had already been issued with registration plates within the first week of work, while customers seeking services such as roadworthiness certification, new driving licences, renewals, and replacements were being efficiently attended to.
Some customers who spoke commended the staff of the Winneba DVLA branch for their professionalism and smooth service delivery.
By: James Kweku Baako
Cape Coast
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