The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG), has filed an injunction against the DVLA at the High Court, seeking to restrain the motoring body from introducing any new vehicle number plate system.
Part of the reason for going to court is because the DVLA awarded both the manufacturing and embossment contracts for the new registration number plates to a single entity, which they argue is contrary to long-established practice.
VEMAG’s complaint argues that DVLA refused to allocate blank plates for the 2026 production cycle to existing embossed producers, despite longstanding approvals.
They allege that the DVLA’s process lacked transparency. There was no proper advertisement of the contract opportunity, and DVLA failed to follow procurement laws (specifically the Public Procurement Act, 2003 – Act 663).
The injunction application is requesting the High Court to stop the DVLA from launching the new digital number plate system until the merits of the case are fully heard.
VEMAG hope to prevent any alternative system for embossing/supplying plates outside the existing arrangement with their members. They want the DVLA to continue engagement with current licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond.
VEMAG argue that the sector employs more than 3,000 workers across Ghana, so abrupt changes could have significant socio-economic impacts.
Embossers traditionally pre-finance plate production and sell to the DVLA, which then settles payments later, a model they say has worked for decades but now risks disruption.
The Broader concerns behind the legal challenge is that there has been insufficient consultation and communication from the DVLA about the transition to digital plates.
Prior to the High court action in Accra, VEMAG had called for a halt or postponement of the digital number plate rollout to allow meaningful stakeholder engagement and planning, highlighting fears about job losses and readiness.
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