The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will enforce mandatory registration of all excavators at Ghana’s ports starting May 1, 2025, as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
The initiative, announced by DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey, seeks to establish clear ownership records for excavators, which are frequently linked to unlawful small-scale mining operations, locally termed galamsey.
In a facebook post, Kotey emphasized that the port registration requirement aims to dismantle the anonymity of equipment owners involved in environmentally destructive practices.
He wrote “Starting May 1st, 2025, the DVLA will begin registering all excavators at the Ports. This initiative aims to identify the owners of excavators involved in illegal mining activities,” he stated.
The move aligns with broader governmental measures to regulate mining equipment and enforce compliance with environmental and operational standards.
By centralizing registration at ports, authorities intend to intercept undocumented machinery before it enters operational zones, reducing opportunities for illicit use.
This announcement follows the DVLA’s recent streamlining of vehicle registration processes, including the introduction of smart cards and biometric verification for motor vehicles in 2025.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
