OSP Invites DVLA CEO Over Alleged GHS 4m Bribery Attempt Linked to Digital Vehicle Plate Rollout
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has invited the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, for questioning following his public disclosure that he rejected a GH¢4 million bribe allegedly offered to halt the implementation of the Digitalised Vehicle Registration Plate (DP) policy.
Mr Kotey made the revelation in a recent media interview, alleging that “certain powerful individuals” had attempted to influence him to abandon the project, which seeks to combat vehicle-related fraud, enhance road safety, and modernise Ghana’s vehicle registration systems.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the OSP confirmed that it has initiated formal inquiries into the alleged bribery attempt.
“The Office has invited Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey to provide further particulars regarding his public statement and to assist in identifying individuals involved in the alleged bribery attempt,” the statement read.
The anti-graft institution emphasised that it treats such allegations with utmost seriousness, given their implications for public accountability and institutional credibility.
The Digitalised Vehicle Plate initiative, a flagship DVLA project, is intended to integrate vehicle registration data with national security systems to curb the proliferation of cloned, stolen, or unregistered vehicles.
In a separate but related matter, the OSP has also opened a corruption investigation into a sitting member of the Council of State over alleged involvement in gold trading-related offences.
According to sources familiar with the probe, the council member is accused of using his position to influence the issuance of a gold trading licence to a private company in which he allegedly holds undisclosed business interests.
The dual investigations, analysts say, highlight the OSP’s renewed determination to clamp down on corruption and abuse of influence within public institutions.
The OSP has, in recent months, intensified its anti-corruption drive, focusing on public procurement, extractive industries, and high-level administrative decision-making.
Observers note that the invitation of the DVLA boss could serve as a significant precedent — one that encourages other public officials to report attempts at bribery or political interference without fear of reprisals.
Mr Kotey has yet to issue a formal statement beyond his initial remarks, but the OSP’s swift response underscores the gravity of the matter.
An OSP source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that the case touches directly on the integrity of public office.
“No one is above the law, and no public office should be up for sale,” the source said. “These investigations go to the heart of public trust.”
