Professor Prempeh Challenges DVLA's Drivers' Hospital Proposal

Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, has raised objections to a proposal by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to construct a hospital for drivers. He is arguing that the initiative falls outside the Authority’s legal responsibilities. Reacting in a social media post to comments by the DVLA’s Chief Executive on Sunday, January 18, Professor Prempeh said the Authority should concentrate on its primary duty of regulating vehicles and ensuring road safety, rather than venturing into healthcare provision. He questioned the rationale behind the plan, noting that the presence of unsafe, polluting and unroadworthy vehicles on Ghana’s roads remains a far more pressing concern. The constitutional law expert cautioned that the proposal reflects a wider governance challenge, where public institutions increasingly stray beyond their statutory mandates. He warned that such projects are often driven by procurement interests rather than genuine public need, adding that the actions of other state agencies should not justify similar departures by the DVLA. Professor Prempeh also called for tighter control over the use of Internally Generated Funds by public bodies, urging government to enforce greater discipline and accountability in public sector spending. In his view, resources should be channelled towards core functions that directly serve the public interest. "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," he posted. The comments follow an announcement by DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey, who said the Authority intends to establish a driver’s hospital as part of a welfare initiative for transport operators. The proposal has since triggered public debate, with many questioning whether the DVLA’s priorities should instead centre on road safety enforcement and regulatory efficiency.