The High Court in Accra has granted an adjournment to allow the Vehicle and Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) and 26 others, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and a contractor to explore an out-of-court settlement in their ongoing dispute over the rollout of a digital vehicle embossment scheme.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Isaac Addo granted the request after lawyers for all parties informed the court on Friday, February 13, 2026, that they were willing to engage in amicable negotiations to resolve the case.
Parties Opt for Dialogue Over Protracted Litigation
The suit challenges the DVLA’s planned implementation of a new digital embossment and enrollment system, which the plaintiffs contend would effectively render their businesses obsolete and lead to job losses.
In court, Prof. Kwame Gyan, counsel for Original Manufacturers and Embossment Company Limited, the second defendant, requested an adjournment to allow discussions to continue. He cited his longstanding professional relationship with plaintiffs’ counsel, Martin Kpebu, as a basis for optimism.
“This is my first physical appearance. I have a very long-standing excellent relationship with Martin Kpebu. We propose that my Lord grants us one adjournment to continue the conversation,” Prof. Gyan told the court.
Martin Kpebu agreed, noting that Ghana’s procedural rules encourage parties to pursue settlement where possible.
“It is part of our etiquette rules to attempt settlements before litigation. The recent amendment of CI 47 allows the court to grant parties time to attempt settlement where they are minded to do so,” he said.
Counsel for the DVLA also raised no objection to the adjournment, expressing hope that the matter could be resolved without further litigation.
Court’s Ruling
Granting the request, Justice Isaac Addo said the court was satisfied that all parties were genuinely inclined toward settlement.
“Since all the lawyers in this suit have expressed a desire to resolve the matter, the court will grant an adjournment. In the event that the parties are able to settle the suit out of court, the terms of settlement should be filed before the next court date,” he ruled.
The case has been adjourned to February 27, 2026.
Background to the Dispute
VEMAG and 26 others instituted the action against the DVLA over plans to introduce a digital or new vehicle number plate registration system. Pending the determination of the substantive suit, the plaintiffs also filed an application for an interlocutory injunction.
They are seeking to restrain the DVLA from rolling out any digitalised or new vehicle number plate system from January 2026 until the court determines the merits of the case. Additionally, the plaintiffs want the DVLA barred from implementing any alternative embossment or supply arrangement outside the existing framework involving their association.
Further developments are expected when the matter returns to court later this month.
Source: paqmdiagh/Peter Quao Adattor
