The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has raised concerns about the use of fake driving licences among drivers working with ride-hailing companies in Ghana.

According to Kotey, 75 per cent of the driving licences checked by the Authority among ride-hailing drivers were found to be fake.

He made the disclosure during an interview on Atinka TV on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, highlighting concerns about the authenticity of documents used by drivers operating on platforms such as Yango, Uber and Bolt.

The revelation has drawn attention to the need for stronger licence verification and improved monitoring within Ghana’s ride-hailing industry.

DVLA Identifies Fake Driving Licences

Kotey said checks conducted through the DVLA’s ride-hailing monitoring system revealed a high proportion of fake licences among the documents examined.

The findings raise questions about how driving credentials are verified before drivers are allowed to offer transport services through digital platforms.

However, the reported 75 per cent figure relates to the licences checked by the Authority. It does not establish that 75 per cent of all ride-hailing drivers in Ghana use fake licences.

Further information about the number of licences examined and the scope of the exercise would help clarify the extent of the problem.

Yango, Uber and Bolt Under Spotlight

The DVLA chief mentioned Yango, Uber and Bolt in connection with the issue, drawing attention to the importance of verifying the driving credentials of people who provide services through these platforms.

Ride-hailing companies connect passengers with drivers through mobile applications. Ensuring that drivers meet the relevant licensing requirements is an important part of maintaining passenger confidence and promoting responsible road use.

The findings also highlight the need for closer cooperation between the DVLA and ride-hailing operators to identify fraudulent documents and strengthen their verification procedures.

Concerns Over Road Safety

The use of fake driving licences raises concerns about compliance with Ghana’s road traffic regulations and the measures in place to protect passengers.

A valid driving licence confirms that a person has met the applicable legal requirements to drive. Fraudulent documents can undermine the licensing system and make it more difficult for authorities and service providers to verify drivers’ credentials.

Passengers who use ride-hailing services need confidence that drivers have met the necessary requirements to operate on the roads.

Although a fake licence does not automatically prove that a driver lacks driving skills, the use of fraudulent documents remains a serious compliance concern that requires appropriate investigation.

Call for Stronger Licence Verification

The reported findings highlight the importance of strengthening the systems used to verify driving licences in the ride-hailing sector.

Closer collaboration between the DVLA and companies such as Yango, Uber and Bolt could help improve the screening of drivers and identify suspicious documents before they are accepted.

Effective verification systems could also help authorities detect fraudulent licences and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Further clarification from the DVLA on the number of licences checked, the measures taken against drivers found using fake documents and any new enforcement plans would provide a clearer picture of the situation.

What the Findings Mean for Ride-Hailing Services

The disclosure by Kotey has brought renewed attention to the importance of proper driver verification in Ghana’s growing ride-hailing industry.

For passengers, reliable checks can help build confidence in the services they use. For drivers and operators, compliance with licensing requirements is essential to maintaining trust and ensuring that transport services operate within the law.

The reported findings also serve as a reminder that digital transport platforms and relevant regulatory authorities have important roles to play in ensuring that drivers’ documents are properly verified.

As the issue receives further attention, clarification from the DVLA and the affected companies will be important in establishing the full extent of the problem and the steps being taken to address it.

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