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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commissioned a new office in Bechem, in the Bono Region, bringing essential licensing and vehicle registration services closer to residents.

The commissioning, held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, marks the fifth DVLA office to be inaugurated within the past eight months.In total, DVLA has forty branches nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, described the Bechem office as a symbol of the Authority’s commitment to accessible, efficient, and people-centered service delivery. He noted that the move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which emphasizes leadership through service.

“This office is not just a building; it is a reflection of our determination to make public service delivery more accessible, efficient, and people-centered,” the CEO said.

He revealed that the new facility will offer a full range of DVLA services including vehicle registration, licence issuance and renewals, licence upgrades, and conversion of foreign licences.

He also announced that the Authority will introduce new number plates in January 2026 to enhance security, modernize systems, and improve service delivery.

Chairman of the DVLA Governing Board, George Spencer Quaye, underscored the Authority’s broader strategy of decentralization and innovation. He said the Bechem office would ease the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances to access DVLA services.

“Our aim is clear, to eliminate middlemen, reduce corruption and ensure that citizens receive fair, professional, and timely services,” he stated. He charged DVLA staff in Bechem to serve with integrity and professionalism, making the new office “a shining model of excellence.”

The Municipal Chief Executive of Tano South, Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, described the facility as a “game-changer” for Bechem and its surrounding communities. He noted that the office would not only ease access to licensing services but also strengthen road safety by curbing the use of unlicensed vehicles.

“This office is more than a building; it is a symbol of accessibility, accountability, and progress,” he said, urging staff to treat the public with courtesy and professionalism.

Queen Mother of Bechem, Nana Adwoapo Dwamena Serwaa II, hailed the project as a historic milestone for the Ahafo Region. She highlighted the economic and social benefits the facility would bring, including reduced travel costs, job opportunities, and potential to attract investment into the area.

“Let us see this as not only an achievement but also an opportunity to push for more public services and infrastructure that will uplift our people,” she said.

The Queen Mother also called on residents to complement the DVLA’s efforts by adhering to road safety regulations, ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy, and renewing licences promptly.

With state-of-the-art equipment and access to digital platforms, the Bechem DVLA office is expected to deliver efficient services while also spearheading community outreach programmes to deepen engagement with the public.

Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, and the Bechem Traditional Council, were praised for their collaboration in making the project a reality.

As the ribbon was cut, the DVLA reaffirmed its pledge to innovation, transparency, and road safety with the ultimate goal of saving lives and supporting national development.

By Stanley Nii Blewu