Transport Ministry, DVLA Board not aware of first aid kits sales - Deputy Minister

It has emerged that neither the Ministry of transport nor the Board of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is aware of the sale of First Aid Kits to drivers and vehicle owners who are registering their cars at various DVLA offices throughout the country.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus-Glover has disclosed that Government is not aware of the over hundred Ghana cedis being charged drivers by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

“The Ministry and Board Members of DVLA are oblivious of the charges”, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Ministry received the news with shock after they were informed by the Board Chairman of DVLA after the news broke out on Wednesday

“The Board Chairman of DVLA came to my office yesterday and he too was not aware. Government too is not aware and in fact the Board Chairman was angry “, the Deputy Minister spoke on Kumasi-based Nhyira.

“This is a pure business and government will not tolerate that. We are dealing with drivers who are very sensitive to deal with”, Hon. Titus Glover pointed out.

“They should withdraw it now”, indicating invitation has been extended to the Chief Executive Officer of DVLA for questioning this morning.

Some car owners who had gone to register their vehicles at the DVLA’s offices in Accra and other parts of the country expressed their frustration after they noticed that they had been charged about GH¢108 for the First Aid Boxes way beyond what is sold in the open market

The DVLA introduced the controversial GH¢108 fee indicating that it is in the interest of drivers with Communications Director of the Authority, Francis Tuffour justifying the charge and calling on critics of the fee to consider the safety of motorists than the cost.

Refuting claims that it is an inconvenience, he said if it is the case that the motorists do not have money at the time of registration of their vehicle, special arrangements can be made to pay later.

Mr Tuffour gave a breakdown of the bill as Kit – GH¢84.45, Vehicle Folder – GH¢13.85 and Drivers Guide – GH¢9.50 totalling GH¢107.8.

He further argued that the Authority is providing customers with genuine kits in comparison to cheaper ones being sold on the street.

“At DVLA, our integrity is at stake” and we are concerned with “the safety of customers,” he said.