Residents of Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, are strongly protesting allegations that the Bole-Bamboi Member of Parliament, Yusif Sulemana, has influenced the diversion of a proposed Savannah Regional DVLA office to Bole, his hometown. This development has sparked widespread outrage, with residents accusing the MP of unfair treatment and neglecting the needs of the regional capital.
The controversy surrounding the DVLA office dates back to the erstwhile Nana Addo government, when the population of Damongo was rapidly increasing.
According Mr. Musah Abubakari, the Industrial Relations Officer (IRO), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU)-Savannah region, the union initially proposed the establishment of a regional DVLA office to the then Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril, former MCE Musah Karim Kusubari, and the MP for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, which authorities reportedly revealed that a parcel of land had been earmarked for the regional DVLA office.
He added that as part of the initiation processes, the GPRTU leadership in Damongo met with the DVLA management in Tamale, engaging in several discussions to move the project forward which led to the DVLA management visit to Damongo engaging with stakeholders. He revealed that authorities also offered the municipal NHIA office as a temporary office for the DVLA services in Damongo after the NHIA relocates to their newly constructed office.
However, recent developments indicate that the project might be greenlit, with the Bole-Bamboi MP allegedly influencing its location to benefit his hometown. According to sources, the Savannah Region is earmarked for three projects, including the said DVLA office and a mosque. Unfortunately, it is alleged that the MP is diverting the DVLA office to Bole, while Damongo, being the regional capital, could benefit from the mosque project.
The lack of a DVLA office in Damongo has significant implications for drivers in the region as drivers most especially (commercial) with expired licenses and insurance struggle to renew them on time, often requiring them to travel to Tamale, Kumasi, or Techiman for vehicle examination and other services. This not only incurs additional costs but also causes inconvenience, affecting their livelihoods.
Moreover, the absence of a DVLA office affects institutions in Damongo that occasionally invite the DVLA for special services. Currently, the DVLA uses the GPRTU office in Damongo for their services whenever they visit, which is not a sustainable solution. Mr. Musah emphasized the importance of locating the DVLA office in Damongo, citing its central location and status as the regional capital.
“Damongo’s central location makes it an ideal hub for the DVLA office, providing easy access for drivers from all seven Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region. Establishing a DVLA office in Damongo would promote efficiency and convenience, reducing the need for drivers to travel long distances for services” he added.
The residents of Damongo are therefore, calling on relevant stakeholders, including the Yagbonwura, Savannah Regional Minister, and other authorities, to intervene and ensure that the DVLA office is located in the regional capital. They argue that this would address the challenges faced by drivers and institutions in the region, promoting efficiency and convenience.
“We are urging the authorities to Investigate the allegations of the MP’s influence on the DVLA office location, ensuring the DVLA office is located in Damongo, the regional capital to ddress the challenges faced by drivers and institutions in the region. By establishing a DVLA office in Damongo, the authorities can promote efficiency, convenience, and fairness, addressing the concerns of the residents and supporting the growth and development of the region” he concluded.
