DVLA impounds 40 vehicles over fake DP stickers at Tema Harbour
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has impounded 40 vehicles at the Tema Harbour following an intelligence-led operation that uncovered the use of fraudulent Drive from Port (DP) stickers, as well as genuine stickers affixed to vehicles with mismatched records.
In a statement issued on April 17, the DVLA said preliminary investigations suggest that the affected vehicles were imported into Ghana by a company.
However, the DVLA says evidence indicates that an agent engaged to clear the vehicles on behalf of the company allegedly employed illegal methods, leading to the discrepancies detected.
The Authority explained that the introduction of DP stickers was part of reforms aimed at addressing revenue leakages associated with the previous aluminium DP plate system.
Following the reform, the DVLA recorded a sharp increase in DP sticker issuance, rising from an average of 2,000 per month to approximately 15,000 in October 2025.
In recent months, however, a noticeable decline in issuance volumes at the ports triggered further investigations, culminating in the latest operation.
The DVLA said it is collaborating with National Security to probe the matter and intensify efforts to clamp down on fraudulent practices within the vehicle importation and registration chain.
The Authority underscored the importance of maintaining accurate vehicle data to ensure road safety, enhance traceability, and support effective transport policy decisions, noting that data integrity from the point of entry to final registration remains critical.
Following the reform, the DVLA recorded a sharp increase in DP sticker issuance, rising from an average of 2,000 per month to approximately 15,000 in October 2025.
In recent months, however, a noticeable decline in issuance volumes at the ports triggered further investigations, culminating in the latest operation.
The DVLA said it is collaborating with National Security to probe the matter and intensify efforts to clamp down on fraudulent practices within the vehicle importation and registration chain.
The Authority underscored the importance of maintaining accurate vehicle data to ensure road safety, enhance traceability, and support effective transport policy decisions, noting that data integrity from the point of entry to final registration remains critical.
Below is the statement:
