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| Julius Neequaye Kotey, DVLA Boss |
The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has formally honoured an invitation extended by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) following his public disclosure of an alleged GH¢4 million bribe attempt.
According to Mr Kotey’s own statement, he received the letter from the OSP on Tuesday, 29 October 2025, at 11:00 a.m., scheduling his attendance for 31 October 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In his accompanying comment, he described his appearance “this morning” with a full delegation including his legal counsel Mr Francis Boye Esq, Ms Esinam Kporku Esq, Lawyer Asibri; his deputy chief executives Mr Foster Akwasi Asante and Mr Iddisah Seidu Yeboah; the DVLA Manager–Legal, Mr Asibiri; and Hon. Nii Ashie Kotey, Member of Parliament for Odododiodio. He expressed appreciation for the professionalism of the OSP officers and reaffirmed his “unwavering readiness to cooperate fully with any investigation they deem necessary.”
Background of the Allegation
The invitation by the OSP follows Mr Kotey’s public allegation, made in a media interview, that unidentified “powerful individuals” attempted to bribe him with GH¢4 million to halt the rollout of the authority’s new “Digitalised Vehicle Registration Plate (DP)” policy. That initiative is intended to enhance the traceability of vehicles, reduce fraud in vehicle registration and number-plate issuance, and improve road-safety standards in Ghana.
In response, the OSP issued a statement confirming that it has engaged Mr Kotey in order to “obtain further information and determine the identities of those behind the alleged bribery attempt.”
The development places the DVLA under heightened scrutiny at a time when the authority is pushing key reforms. By stepping forward to meet the OSP’s invitation, Mr Kotey signals his willingness to answer questions, which may encourage transparency and help restore public confidence in the digital-plate policy. However, as observers note, the credibility of the entire initiative hinges not just on the policy design, but on accountability in its roll-out.
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For the OSP, this case offers an opportunity to demonstrate that public-sector reform efforts will be protected from corrupt interference, and that whistle-blowing executives are capable of being heard and supported. For Ghana at large, the episode is a reminder of the persistent challenge of bribery and institutional capture in the transport sector — a sector that is vital for commerce, mobility and public safety.
Mr Kotey’s appearance before the OSP is expected to include detailed examination of the bribe claim: when and where the alleged approach was made, how the amount was offered, who the individuals behind it are, and whether there are documentary or witness traces of the attempt. The OSP may then decide whether the matter merits full investigation, prosecution or administrative follow-up.
Meanwhile, the DVLA must continue to show that the digital plate policy is being implemented fairly, transparently and efficiently — both to honour the public funds and to deliver the improved vehicle-registration regime the country needs. A lapse now could erode the authority’s reform momentum.
Mr Kotey’s statement also reflects a personal dimension: entering public office is seldom straightforward. The fact that he assembled a legal team and senior delegation for the OSP meeting suggests he understands the gravity of the invitation. His gratitude towards “party faithful” who showed solidarity hints at the political ramifications of his disclosure — this is not merely a technical matter, but one that touches governance, public trust and institutional integrity.
In his own words: “Let us remain committed to working with integrity to reset and build a better Ghana.” Whether this moment will serve as a turning point for the DVLA, Ghana’s transport-regulation architecture, and the fight against corruption remains to be seen.
