News
DVLA cautions public against fake SMS payment links and online fine scams
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has cautioned the public against fraudulent text messages asking people to pay supposed traffic fines through unofficial online links.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, October 21, the Authority disclosed that fraudsters were sending SMS messages to unsuspecting members of the public, directing them to fake websites to make payments for alleged DVLA fines.
According to the DVLA, the scammers sometimes use promises of discounted fines or urgent payment deadlines to pressure recipients into making payments.
The Authority warned the public to disregard such messages, stressing that they are fraudulent.
It further clarified that it does not offer discounts on fines and urged the public to treat any message, website or individual claiming to provide such discounts as a scam.
The DVLA stated that Ghana.gov.gh is the only approved online payment platform for its transactions.
It advised the public to use its official website, to verify information and avoid clicking on suspicious links, sharing personal details or making payments through unofficial platforms.
The Authority encouraged anyone who receives such messages to report them to the nearest DVLA office or the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation.
It further urged the public to verify all DVLA-related information through its recognised offices and official communication channels.
The DVLA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from fraud and ensuring that official transactions are conducted through secure and approved channels.
By: Jacob Aggrey
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Sammy Ayeh has picked up nomination forms to contest for the position of Deputy National Communications Officer position.
Announcing his intention, Dr. Ayeh said he is offering himself to help communicate the party’s vision clearly and connect its message with the aspirations of Ghanaians.
He expressed deep gratitude to the party’s National Communications Officer, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as an able leader on whose shoulders he has risen.
“His exceptional leadership, mentorship and confidence in me have shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve to serve,” Dr. Ayeh stated.
He said if elected, he will seek to build on that foundation by strengthening research-driven communication, empowering grassroots communicators, and enhancing strategic media engagement.
Dr. Ayeh humbly appealed to party members and supporters for their support.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Data Protection Commission has called on the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media houses to protect the personal information of 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Commission expressed concern over the public disclosure of the evacuees’ personal details, including their names, signatures and records of financial assistance received.
It warned that making such information public could expose the affected individuals to identity theft, fraud and other forms of harm, especially given the threats to their safety that some of them may have faced.
The Commission explained that the 1992 Constitution protects the dignity and privacy of every individual. It also cited the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which sets out rules for the lawful collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency, parliamentary oversight, the right to information and press freedom, the Commission stressed that these principles do not automatically justify the unrestricted publication of personal details.
It said the disclosure of the records by the Minority Caucus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JoyNews and other media organisations must be assessed based on the law, the purpose of the disclosure and the privacy rights of the individuals involved.
The Commission further noted that although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament are registered data controllers in good standing, their registration does not exempt them from their legal responsibilities under the Data Protection Act.
It has therefore urged all the parties involved to take appropriate steps to protect the affected individuals, including immediately restricting access to or removing personal details from publicly available records where their continued disclosure is not legally justified.
The Commission announced plans to conduct a regulatory review to determine whether the disclosures had a lawful basis, what safeguards were applied and whether the privacy rights of the evacuees had been adequately protected.
It said it would engage the relevant parties as part of the review and take appropriate regulatory action if any breach of the law is established.
The Commission reiterated that protecting personal information and respecting human dignity must remain central to efforts to promote public accountability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
