The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will begin registering all excavators at ports starting May 1, 2025, in a bid to curb the use of these machines in illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey”. The initiative aims to establish a centralized database to monitor excavator ownership and usage, ensuring these machines are used lawfully and in environmentally sustainable ways.
DVLA CEO Julius Neequaye Kotey announced the measure, stating that non-compliance could lead to severe penalties, including the seizure of unregistered excavators. The policy aligns with broader government initiatives to tighten oversight of mining equipment amid growing environmental and economic concerns.
Illegal mining has become a pressing issue in Ghana, with excavators playing a significant role in the destruction of forests and pollution of water sources. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has backed the policy, with Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasizing its importance in curbing environmental damage.
Authorities are urging importers and operators to adhere to the new requirements ahead of the May deadline. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for stricter enforcement mechanisms across the continent, reflecting wider regional efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
