The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has dismissed reports suggesting it was the victim of an alleged theft involving GH¢308,300, clarifying that the money in question did not belong to the Authority and was not stolen from any of its accounts.
In a statement issued on July 7, 2026, the DVLA explained that the incident currently under police investigation is a personal dispute between two individuals and has no connection to the Authority’s finances, operations, or official activities.
“The Authority wishes to categorically state that the alleged GH¢308,300 involved in the matter does not belong to the DVLA and was not stolen from the Authority or any of its accounts,” the statement said.
Background to the Case
The clarification follows widespread media reports alleging that a former National Service person, who is currently working with the DVLA on contract, had stolen GH¢308,300 and used the money to purchase a Hyundai Elantra saloon car, household appliances, furniture, and to pay rent and a sibling’s school fees.
The accused, Ebenezer Ghartey, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court on a charge of stealing. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties. The court also ordered him to report to investigators twice a week, with the case adjourned to August 4, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the complainant—an Administrative Officer at the DVLA who supervised the accused during his service—noticed an unauthorized withdrawal of GH¢3,000 from her MTN merchant account on May 22, 2026. After obtaining transaction records from MTN, investigators allegedly traced the transfers to the accused. Further investigations reportedly uncovered multiple unauthorized transactions between March 31 and May 20, amounting to GH¢308,300.
Police told the court that part of the money was allegedly used to acquire:
A Hyundai Elantra saloon car
A Samsung 50-inch television
An air conditioner
Furniture and a dining set
A washing machine
A floor carpet
Television rack and frame
Rent payments
School fees for a sibling
The prosecution further stated that the accused admitted to the offence in his caution statement, although he has pleaded not guilty before the court.
DVLA Distances Itself from the Alleged Theft
The DVLA emphasized that while the accused is attached to the Authority, the alleged offence does not involve public funds or the institution’s financial systems.
According to the Authority, portraying the incident as though DVLA funds had been stolen creates a false impression and undermines public confidence.
“The alleged offence is not connected to the operations, finances, or official activities of the Authority but rather concerns two different individuals,” the statement noted.
The Authority also reassured the public that its financial systems remain secure, no operational funds have been lost, and normal services continue without disruption. It pledged to cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service should further assistance be required during investigations.
Call for Responsible Reporting
DVLA urged media organizations and the public to exercise caution when reporting on the case to avoid creating the erroneous impression that taxpayers’ money or Authority funds had been misappropriated.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, expressing confidence that the judicial process will establish the facts surrounding the case.
