The Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG), through BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other member companies, has filed an injunction application at the Accra High Court to stop the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) from rolling out new digital or any alternative vehicle number plates starting January 2026.
The suit, filed on Monday, December 22, 2025, seeks to restrain the DVLA from implementing the new registration system until the court fully determines the merits of the case.
The plaintiffs are also praying the court to prevent the DVLA from making any alternative arrangements for the embossment and supply of vehicle number plates outside the existing framework that involves licensed embossers.
According to the association, the DVLA has awarded both the manufacturing and embossment contracts to a single entity – Original Manufacturing and Embossment, owned by Dr Nyarko Esumadu Appiah, also known as Daasebre – a move they describe as unprecedented and contrary to long-standing practice.
VEMAG is further seeking a court order compelling the DVLA to continue engaging its licensed members for the embossment of number plates in 2026 and beyond, in addition to declarations that the Authority’s refusal to allocate blank plates for the upcoming year is unlawful and constitutes a breach of contract.
The plaintiffs recounted that on October 27, 2025, the DVLA Chief Executive Officer informed them during a meeting that the contract for both manufacturing and embossment had been awarded to one individual.
They also allege that the DVLA owes some members arrears for plates already produced and supplied.
VEMAG argues that approvals granted by the DVLA over three decades, coupled with consistent conduct between the parties, created an enforceable contract. They maintain that these approvals have neither been revoked nor withdrawn, yet the DVLA has refused to allocate blank plates for 2026 production – a process that is normally completed by this time of year to ensure a seamless transition.
The association has accused the DVLA of lacking transparency in the rollout of the new digital number plates and of failing to continue promised consultations with embossers despite earlier assurances to prepare for the transition.
Furthermore, VEMAG claims the DVLA neither advertised for tenders nor obtained approval from the Public Procurement Authority for sole-sourcing the contract, in violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663). They described the decision as illegal, discriminatory, and an abuse of administrative power, especially as it sidelines dozens of Ghanaian-owned companies that have heavily invested in the sector.
The plaintiffs highlighted the potential socio-economic fallout, noting that members collectively employ over 3,000 workers nationwide. Abruptly sidelining them, they warned, would jeopardise livelihoods across the country.
They also pointed out that licensed embossers were required to invest in specialised equipment costing between GH¢70,000 and GH¢1 million per unit to meet DVLA specifications. Over the years, members have pre-financed production by supplying plates to the DVLA, which then sells them before settling payments.
VEMAG has additionally warned that the public could face inconveniences at the start of the year if the DVLA is unable to register vehicles and issue plates promptly due to the ongoing legal action.
The association is seeking costs, including solicitor fees, and any other reliefs the court deems fit.