DVLA Ghana: Digital Number Plate Rollout Sparks Cybersecurity Concerns

• The DVLA's digital number plate rollout was delayed, but the necessary Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has now been approved by Parliament.
• King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has urged the DVLA to strengthen its cybersecurity systems ahead of the rollout.
• The new system introduces potential security threats, such as data breaches and cyber attacks, which experts warn need to be addressed.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said he was impressed with the innovations being undertaken by the DVLA and pledged the support of the Ga Traditional Council in creating public awareness about the new digital number plate system.

The introduction of digital number plates by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has sparked concerns about cybersecurity risks. The rollout, which had been delayed due to the need for a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) approval by Parliament, is expected to bring several benefits, including enhanced road safety and an efficient licensing regime. However, experts warn that the new system also introduces potential security threats, such as data breaches and cyber attacks. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has urged the DVLA to strengthen its cybersecurity systems ahead of the rollout. He believes that robust measures are necessary to address security challenges associated with the digital licensing system.

The DVLA's plans for the digital number plate rollout have been in the works for some time. The necessary Legislative Instrument (L.I.) has since been passed and took effect on May 28. The rollout was initially suspended in December 2025 due to the pending parliamentary approval. The DVLA is now preparing for a pilot phase of the program, which began on August 1, 2026, with the registration of government vehicles. This will be followed by the registration of all unregistered vehicles starting September 1, 2026. The nationwide re-registration of existing vehicles is officially scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027, and run until December 31, 2028. Meanwhile, the DVLA has been working on other innovations, including the installation of gun trace systems at toll booths to track and flag fake number plates used by private and commercial vehicles.

The Ga Mantse's visit to the DVLA was part of his broader plan to engage institutions and agencies in the capital. He pledged to link the DVLA with foreign investors for formal discussions on cybersecurity, which he described as a key component of the new digital number plate system. The DVLA has also been working to create public awareness about the new system through various channels. This effort is expected to help address unemployment and improve efficiency in the transport sector.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential security risks associated with the introduction of digital number plates, including data breaches and cyber threats, and advise clients on the need to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these risks.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times