DVLA backs down on overseas staff deployment after public outcry and Foreign Ministry denial

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distanced itself from plans announced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to extend licensing services to Ghanaians living abroad, stating it has no record of approving such an initiative.

In a press release issued on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Ministry said it had not issued any directive to Ghana's diplomatic missions nor granted approval to any entity for the deployment of staff to register or renew driving licences for Ghanaians in the diaspora.

The statement was directed to all media houses and signed by the Ministry's communications department.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state categorically that it has neither issued a directive to our diplomatic missions abroad nor granted approval to any entity for such an arrangement," the statement read.

The Ministry further indicated that it was unaware of any new government policy to that effect and had no documentation pointing to such a policy direction.

"There is no record available at the Ministry pointing to this purported new policy direction. For the avoidance of doubt, there has been no formal engagement, no new policy brought to our attention and no financial commitment as irrefutable evidence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishes," the statement added.

The clarification comes two days after the DVLA Chief Executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced at the commissioning of a new office in Bantama, Kumasi, that staff would be travelling to the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to provide licensing services.

The remarks generated widespread debate, with members of the public questioning the use of state resources for overseas assignments while domestic offices faced operational challenges.

In response to the public reaction, the DVLA issued a statement on Thursday explaining that it had entered into an arrangement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate with Ghana's embassies in selected countries. 

The Authority stated that under the plan, embassy staff would be trained to verify documents and forward them to Accra for processing, after which completed licences would be returned to the embassies for collection by applicants.

The DVLA emphasised that its domestic staff would not be posted to work at the embassies.

However, the Foreign Ministry's statement directly contradicts the DVLA's assertion of a collaborative arrangement.

Later on Thursday, the DVLA issued another statement announcing a review of its proposed approach.

"The Management of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has taken note of the public reactions following the announcement of our intention to extend selected services to Ghanaians living abroad. We appreciate the feedback and the concerns expressed by members of the public," the statement said.

"In view of these sentiments, Management is reviewing the proposed approach and exploring alternative options to ensure that our services remain accessible to all Ghanaians, including those residing outside the country."

The Foreign Ministry assured the public of its commitment to transparency and financial prudence in public service delivery.