DVLA to Build Hospital to Address the Healthcare Needs of Drivers
- Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, has outlined plans to build a drivers hospital where their health issues would be addressed
- However, the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh said the DVLA had no business building and managing a care centre
- Neequaye Kotey responded that the country needed more hospitals and stated that all agencies must do more to contribute its quota to the healthcare system
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The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has disclosed plans to put up a hospital that would mainly cater to the healthcare needs of drivers.
Julius Neequaye Kotey explained the planned infrastructure project while in Jomoro, the Western Region, when he cut the sod for a new DVLA office to be built on Friday, January 16, 2025.
Source: Facebook
In an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, the DVLA boss said they hope to complete the hospital by the end of 2026.
He explained further that the initiative is expected to motivate drivers.
“At a time when the conduct of some drivers is making life uncomfortable for passengers, the [DVLA] is working towards the construction of a drivers’ hospital to address the critical healthcare needs of drivers by the close of the year.”
DVLA boss criticised over hospital plan
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh believes the DVLA must focus on its core mandate instead of building hospitals.
In a Facebook post, he said:
"Seriously? Please focus on getting those rickety, unsafe, air-polluting commercial vehicles off our roads. Building hospitals, whether for drivers or passengers, is not part of your job. The fact that other state institutions have engaged in these procurement-driven adventures does not mean you should follow suit. Please, focus on your core mandate. Government should stop public bodies from abusing their IGFs in this manner.
The DVLA boss responded and said that Ghana needs more hospitals and it is only ideal for every institution to help improve the health system.
"I made mention of the fact that we want private investors to have agreements with so we can have a health facility for drivers. And it’s not a bad idea. We lack hospitals, every institution must invest in the health sector to improve health delivery services."
Reactions to DVLA planning to build hospital
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions below after Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh shared his thoughts on the DVLA's grand plan.
Saviour Fianu said:
"Julius Neequaye Kotey that’s not your job Sir. Focus on Vehicles and Licensing - that’s what the Authority is mandated to do! Deploy technology to stop Goro boys from exploiting the system!"
Nana Antwi wrote:
"Chief, focus...focus."
Ben Dotsei Malor said:
"Brother, Nooooo. Mere'eku. Please, Don't distract this hardworking brother. Where, in the world, do you see a successful application and delivery of this "novelty"? Has the Health Ministry indicated the NEED for such a hospital? Doesn't he already have enough challenges on his hands in the DVLA assignment?"
Hon Rodney Nkrumah-Boateng wrote:
"Procurement gig."
Sefiamor Martin Sitso said;
"Adopt some of the agenda 111 projects for this purpose."
Source: Facebook
DVLA suspends rollout of new number plates
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also reported that the DVLA had suspended the rollout of new licence plates due to some legislative delays.
The authority explained that the delays are linked to shortcomings with the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012, while before Parliament.
This suspension comes after the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana sued the DVLA over the planned new licensing system.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
