ACCRA, Ghana. A heated legal battle over who gets to make Ghana’s vehicle number plates has taken a major turn. On Friday, January 23, 2026, an Accra High Court added a private company as a key defendant in a lawsuit that could stop the country’s move to high-tech digital plates.
The company, Original Manufacturers and Embossment Company Limited, is owned by Nyarko Esumadu Appiah, popularly known as “Daasebre.” The court decided that the company must be part of the case because the final ruling will directly impact its business interests.
The Fight Over “Sole-Sourcing”
The legal drama began in December 2025. A group called the Vehicle Embossment Manufacturers Association of Ghana (VEMAG) sued the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). VEMAG represents local businesses like BEMENCO Embossment Ltd, which have made number plates for over 30 years.
VEMAG is angry because the DVLA wants to stop using many small local companies. Instead, the DVLA has chosen just one company wich is Daasebre’s firm to handle everything. VEMAG argues that this “one-man show” is:
- Unfair: It pushes out local businesses that have invested millions in equipment.
- Illegal: They claim the DVLA didn’t follow proper public bidding rules.
- Risky: It could lead to 3,000 workers losing their jobs.
DVLA Defends Digital Rollout
The DVLA says it is not doing anything wrong. According to the Authority, the new digital system is necessary to:
- Stop Fraud: It will be harder to use fake plates.
- Improve Safety: The plates will use RFID (radio) technology for better tracking.
- Modernize: Ghana needs to catch up with international standards.
Because of this court case and delays in Parliament, the DVLA has had to wait. Instead of the new digital plates, car owners are currently receiving the old-style plates with the “26” suffix for the year 2026.
What Happens Next?
Justice Isaac Addo presided over the court session. Both the DVLA and the local manufacturers agreed that Daasebre’s company should join the suit to defend its contract.
The judge ordered the manufacturers to update their court papers to include the new company. The court has adjourned the case until February 6, 2026. Until then, the future of Ghana’s digital number plates remains in the hands of the law.
