Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has ruled out a parliamentary bid in Klottey Korle in the 2028 elections, while maintaining that he remains free to contest the constituency in the future if he chooses to.
Mr Kotey said his long-standing involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has fuelled speculation about his political ambitions in the constituency, but stressed that he has not decided to challenge incumbent Member of Parliament Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings in 2028.
Speaking on Starr FM, he said his association with the NDC dates back to his teenage years, when he became involved in branch-level activities.
He recalled serving as a branch secretary at age 17, although he was not permitted to register with the party at the time. He later served as a polling agent in 2004 and subsequently held other constituency positions, including communications officer and his current position as constituency vice-chairman.
“This is my third time as a constituency executive. At age 17, I was a branch secretary for the NDC in the Korle Klottey Constituency, but I wasn’t allowed to register,” he said.
“In 2004, I was a polling agent, even though I wasn’t allowed to vote. I have been a communications officer, and I am currently the constituency Vice Chairman for the constituency,” he added.
Despite his political background, Mr Kotey said he has no plans to contest the Klottey Korle parliamentary seat in 2028.
“If I want to contest for that constituency seat, I am free. I am good and enough to do it, but I have said 2028; I’m not contesting,” he stated.
He, however, stopped short of ruling out a possible parliamentary bid beyond 2028, saying future circumstances could influence his decision.
“I don’t know if the Lord will change my mind for subsequent years, but for 2028, I’m not contesting,” he said.
Mr Kotey also emphasised his connection to the constituency, describing himself as an indigene of Klottey Korle and a native of Osu.
“I am an indigene of Klottey Korle. I am from Osu. My hometown is Osu. I cut across all the four traditional areas of Osu,” he said.
He added that he has never concealed his political ambitions and would openly declare his intentions if he eventually decides to seek the parliamentary seat.
For now, however, Mr Kotey said Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings should not be concerned about his political activities.
“For now, I have not made up my mind, so Dr Zanetor should relax. The way she is going around, she should relax. I am not going to contest her,” he said.
Mr Kotey’s comments come as the DVLA continues to pursue reforms to Ghana’s vehicle registration and licensing system. The Authority has also been expanding its nationwide footprint, with its CEO recently announcing that 29 new offices had been opened within 18 months, bringing the total number of DVLA offices to 62.
