DVLA Shuts Down Six Vehicle Testing Centres Over Fraudulent Roadworthiness Certifications

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has closed down six Private Vehicle Testing Stations (PVTS) nationwide within the past 90 days as part of a crackdown on regulatory breaches in the vehicle inspection sector.

The action follows a series of audits which uncovered that some centres had been issuing roadworthiness certificates to vehicles that were never physically inspected—raising serious concerns about road safety standards across the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed the development during the commissioning of three modern vehicle inspection centres in Accra.

Mr. Kotey attributed the increasing presence of unroadworthy vehicles on Ghana’s roads to lapses by some private testing operators, stressing that their failure to conduct proper inspections often results in misplaced public criticism against the DVLA.

“In the past three months, we have closed about six PVTS that did not inspect vehicles but still issued reports declaring them roadworthy,” he said.

He explained that the DVLA’s certification decisions are based on reports submitted by these private centres, noting that any manipulation or negligence at that level compromises the integrity of the entire system.

“When they test, they issue a report, and it is based on that report that DVLA determines qualification or disqualification. So when rickety vehicles are seen on the roads, the blame often goes to DVLA, but we all must monitor the activities of these centres,” he added.

Mr. Kotey further called for increased public vigilance, urging citizens to play an active role in holding PVTS operators accountable to ensure safer roads.

The commissioning of the three new inspection facilities forms part of the Authority’s broader effort to modernise vehicle testing processes and minimise human interference, which has been linked to fraudulent certifications.

The DVLA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing enforcement, stating that it will intensify undercover audits and technical assessments to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and prevent unqualified vehicles from being certified.