The Transport Minister (2nd right) cutting the tape to commission the new office
The Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has officially commissioned a multipurpose office complex for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) at Axim-Ayisakro in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region as part of a move to bring DVLA services closer to clients.
The new office would carry out vehicle inspection, issue road worthy certificates and driver licenses to applicants in the Municipality and other adjoining districts.
These include Ellembelle, Joomoro and parts of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
The Transport Minister pointed out that the government was committed to extend the services of the DVLA to the door steps of Ghanaians.
He bemoaned the fact that whilst in advance countries, growing vehicles on the road was leading to reductions of road crushes; the reverse was the situation in the developing world.
He regretted that in spite of concrete and the tangible efforts by government to help curb road accidents, the country was still recording loss of lives, due to the indiscipline on the roads.
He reiterated the readiness of his Ministry to work closely with all major players in the road transport sector and the subsectors to bring down the rate of accidents in the country.
According to him, the transformation of the country’s economy and the improvement in the living conditions of the people could only be achieved if the country’s transport infrastructure was put in shape.
He pointed out that the new road traffic regulations made it mandatory for all drivers to go through thorough re-examination before renewing their licenses.
He, therefore, tasked the workers of the Authority to treat those who would visit the facility with respect and dignity, adding that “it is the surest way of enjoying support from the beneficiary communities.”
Mr Emmanuel Narh, Western Regional Director of DVLA noted that the Authority would not compromise when it comes to the delivery of quality services.
He mentioned that the commissioning of the new office formed part of steps taken to decentralize their operation to promote quality customer service.
He pointed out that the new office would help to significantly reduce the pressure on their facilities in Tarkwa and Takoradi.
The DVLA, he noted, was determined to uphold best practices to ensure road safety and reminded drivers to observe traffic regulations.
“Drivers must comply with speed limits, avoid driving when tired, check the tyre pressure and should regularly maintain their vehicles”, he stressed.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Catherine Abelema Afeku was grateful to the Ministry of Transport and the Board members of the DVLA for the establishment of the new office in her constituency and said it was a huge relief to the people, particularly drivers.
The Nzema East Municipal Chief Executive, Frank Okpeyen was hopeful that the Authority would act boldly to prevent the activities of middlemen, popularly referred to as “Goro Boys” at the new office.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Ayisakro