Over 4,000 applicants were unable to secure driver’s licences this year after failing mandatory eye examinations conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

This raises concerns about the role of poor eyesight in road crashes across Ghana.

The Authority disclosed this in its 2025 nationwide eye-screening report released on Thursday, June 11. According to the DVLA, a total of 251,117 commercial and private drivers underwent compulsory eye screening across the country during the year.

Out of this number, 218,471 applicants, representing about 87 percent, passed the eye test at their first attempt. However, 32,645 applicants initially failed the screening due to various eye conditions.

Following further assessment and required interventions, 4,896 applicants were ultimately found not to meet the required visual standards and were therefore denied driver’s licences.

The development forms part of the DVLA’s intensified efforts to address impaired vision, which is considered a significant but often overlooked factor in road traffic accidents.

The screenings uncovered a range of vision-related conditions among drivers, including glaucoma, cataracts, refractive errors, and complications linked to hypertension.

During an engagement with the media, the Director for Driver Training, Testing and Licensing at the DVLA, Kafui Semevo, said many drivers only became aware of their eye conditions during the screening process.

He stressed that the strict enforcement of Regulation 29 of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2180 was crucial to reducing preventable road crashes and improving road safety.

Regulation 29 of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2180 is the section of Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations that deals specifically with driver fitness and medical standards, including eyesight.

"Drivers whose vision impairments could not be corrected had their licences revoked in line with the law, while those with treatable conditions had their licences suspended until they were medically cleared," Semevo stated.

He further disclosed that policy discussions were underway regarding persons identified as having "single vision," a condition highlighted in a survey conducted by the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

Under the proposed policy, drivers with certain visual limitations may still be allowed to operate private vehicles, but they would not be permitted to drive commercial transport.

To determine how effective these changes are, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has partnered with the University of Cape Coast and the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) to study the reforms and their influence on road safety outcomes.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent of Police Dr. Remi Ninkpe, who coordinates the DVLA-GOA Eye Care Reforms Project, has advised drivers against self-treatment and the use of non-prescribed corrective lenses. He cautioned that such practices could worsen eye problems and increase the risk of road accidents.

The eye screening exercise is part of wider efforts by the DVLA to ensure that all licensed drivers meet minimum medical and visual standards, as part of ongoing measures to reduce preventable crashes and improve safety on Ghana’s roads.

Clone detection machines to tackle car theft

DVLA revealed has intensified efforts to curb the importation of vehicles into Ghana through unapproved channels.

As part of the drive, the Authority has introduced clone detection machines (OBD II Scanners) to significantly enhance vehicle verification and protect the integrity of Ghana's registration system. This information was contained in a press statement issued by the Authority on Wednesday, May 13.

According to the Authority, “These machines will help identify vehicles imported through unapproved channels that illegally clone the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) of legitimate vehicles awaiting registration - a practice that has, in some cases, caused genuine vehicle owners to be wrongly flagged as already registered”.

It added that, “This deployment is a proactive measure to curb fraudulent registrations, improve vehicle security and reinforce the accuracy and credibility of the national vehicle register”.

The DVLA further urged all stakeholders and the public to cooperate with its officers as the Authority continues to promote transparency, safety and security within Ghana's vehicle registration regime.

Meanwhile, the DVLA has begun the arrest and prosecution of individuals using fake, forged, or expired DV number plates and DP stickers.

In a public notice issued on April 17, 2026, the authority warned that anyone found in possession of such illegal vehicle identification materials will face legal action in accordance with the law.

The DVLA said the move forms part of intensified efforts to clamp down on non-compliance within the vehicle registration system. The action follows an earlier directive issued on March 19, 2026, which outlined plans to target the use of expired 2025 DV plates, forged 2026 DV plates, and expired DP stickers. Enforcement operations initially began on March 24, 2026.

According to the authority, its compliance team, working in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, has already carried out targeted operations across various locations. These operations have largely focused on removing non-compliant plates and stickers from vehicles.

However, despite these interventions, the DVLA said some motorists continue to flout the regulations. The authority reiterated that, under Regulation 23(11) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), it is unlawful to possess or use forged or fake trade licences, including DV and DP plates and stickers.

“With effect from May 4, 2026, any individual found in violation will be arrested and prosecuted,” the DVLA said.

The directive, the authority noted, is aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, protecting the integrity of vehicle registration data, and enhancing public safety.

The DVLA urged all vehicle users to comply fully with the regulations and support efforts to ensure a transparent, accountable, and efficient vehicle administration system.