The Ghana Commercial Drivers Association (GCDA) has petitioned the Minister for Transport to intervene in what it describes as the unlawful imposition of “spot fines” by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

According to the Association, the DVLA’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit in June 2025 published a notice titled “Roadside Checks, Defects and Infractions Delinquency Fees and Charges.”

The notice introduced a flat delinquency fee of GH₵225 for various traffic-related offences, citing provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180). Enforcement of the directive began shortly afterwards.

However, the GCDA argues that the DVLA has no legal authority to impose fines of any kind, stressing that such powers are reserved for the courts under Ghana’s laws.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Charles Danso, the Association said it has instructed its lawyers to petition the Transport Minister, urging him to:

Direct the DVLA to immediately halt the imposition and collection of delinquency fees, which the GCDA insists have no legal basis.

Establish a transparent mechanism to refund all monies collected from drivers since the commencement of the enforcement exercise.

The GCDA, which represents thousands of commercial and private drivers nationwide, said while it remains committed to promoting road safety, it will resist unlawful practices that impose undue hardship on drivers.

The Association is awaiting the Transport Ministry’s response and has called on the government to take swift action to protect drivers’ rights.