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DVLA Launches Plans for Permanent Office in Jomoro to Boost Service Delivery

Published: January 16, 2026 | Source: Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a significant move to enhance public service accessibility, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced the establishment of a permanent office in Jomoro, located in the Western Region of Ghana. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to decentralize administrative services, ensuring that essential vehicle licensing and registration processes are accessible to citizens in remote areas. By bringing services closer to the people, the DVLA aims to eliminate the logistical and financial burdens previously associated with accessing headquarters in major cities.

Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, led a delegation to the area to oversee the initial stages of the project. This article explores the key points of this development, the background of the DVLA’s decentralization efforts, and the practical implications for residents of Jomoro and the surrounding municipalities.

Key Points

Project Objective: To decentralize vehicle licensing and registration services to improve accessibility for residents in the Western Region.
Location: Jomoro Municipality, Western Region, Ghana.
Leadership: Spearheaded by DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey.
Interim Solution: Operations will commence immediately at an Ultra Centre while the permanent structure is under construction.
Vehicle Identification: Vehicles registered at the new station will feature the “JM” prefix or suffix.
Timeline: The Ultra Centre is expected to open within the coming months.

Background

The Mandate of the DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is the statutory body in Ghana responsible for the licensing of drivers and the registration of vehicles. Historically, the concentration of these services in regional capitals created bottlenecks for residents in rural and semi-urban areas. The mandate of the DVLA extends beyond mere administration; it includes road safety regulation and the generation of revenue for the state through motoring-related fees.

Decentralization as a Policy Goal

Over the past decade, the DVLA has embarked on a deliberate policy of decentralization. This aligns with the broader national development agenda to reduce urban-rural disparities. By establishing regional and district offices, the Authority seeks to curb the prevalence of unregistered vehicles and unlicensed drivers, which are often symptoms of inaccessible administrative services. The Jomoro initiative is a continuation of this strategy, targeting a specific demographic that previously had to travel long distances to Sekondi-Takoradi or other major hubs to process vehicle documents.

Analysis

Strategic Importance of the Jomoro Location

Jomoro is a pivotal municipality in the Western Region, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and sharing a boundary with Côte d’Ivoire. The establishment of a DVLA office here is not merely administrative but strategic. It facilitates the formalization of cross-border transport and local vehicular commerce. By providing local registration capabilities, the DVLA is effectively integrating Jomoro into the national motoring database, enhancing security and traffic management in the border region.

Operational Transition: The Ultra Centre Model

The decision to utilize an “Ultra Centre” as an interim operational base is a pragmatic approach to service delivery. It demonstrates an intent to provide immediate value to the public without waiting for the completion of long-term infrastructure projects. This model allows for the testing of systems and personnel deployment in a temporary setting, ensuring that when the permanent office is ready, operations are already streamlined and efficient.

Impact on Vehicle Identification and Municipal Identity

The introduction of the “JM” (Jomoro) registration prefix is a significant milestone for the municipality. Vehicle registration codes in Ghana are geographical indicators; the “JM” suffix will not only help in traffic identification but also instill a sense of local identity. It signals to residents that their municipality is officially recognized as a fully-fledged motoring administration center, which can have positive psychological and economic effects on the community.

Practical Advice

For Residents of Jomoro and Surrounding Areas

If you reside in Jomoro or the surrounding areas, the new DVLA office will soon offer several key services. Here is what you need to know to prepare:

Documentation Preparation: Ensure you have the necessary documents ready for vehicle registration or driver’s license application. This typically includes a valid form of ID, proof of residence, and vehicle purchase receipts (for new vehicles).
Interim Services: Monitor local announcements for the opening date of the Ultra Centre. You may be able to process your “JM” registration plates sooner than expected.
Online Integration: While physical offices are essential, check the DVLA’s online portals for pre-booking appointments to reduce waiting times once the office is fully operational.

For Business Owners and Transport Operators

Commercial vehicle operators in the Western Region should anticipate reduced downtime. Previously, fleet renewals required sending drivers to distant offices, incurring fuel and per diem costs. With the Jomoro office, administrative efficiency improves, allowing businesses to maintain compliance with less logistical overhead.

FAQ

When will the permanent DVLA office in Jomoro be fully operational?

According to the DVLA CEO, operations will begin immediately at the Ultra Centre. The permanent construction is currently underway, but a specific completion date for the final building has not been publicly released. However, residents can access services at the interim Ultra Centre location in the coming months.

What services will be available at the Jomoro office?

The office will offer core DVLA services, including vehicle registration, driver’s license application and renewal, roadworthiness testing (likely through mobile units or designated centers), and issuance of vehicle excise duty (roadworthy) certificates.

Will vehicle registration numbers change?

Yes. Vehicles registered at the new Jomoro station will carry the “JM” prefix or suffix. This is a standard practice by the DVLA to denote the geographical origin of the vehicle registration.

Is this initiative part of a larger government project?

Yes. The DVLA’s expansion into Jomoro is part of a national strategy to decentralize public services, improve revenue mobilization, and enhance road safety by ensuring more vehicles are legally registered and insured.

Conclusion

The launch of plans for a permanent DVLA office in Jomoro marks a transformative period for vehicle administration in the Western Region. By moving services closer to the people, the DVLA is not only improving convenience but also fostering economic growth and regulatory compliance in the municipality. The immediate activation of services at the Ultra Centre ensures that the benefits of this project are realized without delay. As the “JM” registration codes begin to appear on the roads, they will serve as a symbol of development and administrative efficiency in Jomoro.