DVLA to Begin Mandatory Registration of Excavators at Ports from May 1
In a renewed effort to combat illegal mining activities, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that, effective May 1, 2025, it will begin the mandatory registration of all excavators at Ghana’s ports of entry.
The move, according to the DVLA, is aimed at enhancing the identification and monitoring of excavators, which are often deployed in illegal small-scale mining operations, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, in announcing the new directive, stated that the initiative forms part of broader governmental efforts to promote accountability and ensure the traceability of heavy machinery entering the country.
“By registering excavators at the point of entry, authorities intend to build a comprehensive database that tracks the ownership and utilisation of these machines, ensuring their use is consistent with lawful and environmentally sustainable practices,” Mr Kotey noted.
The policy comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with the environmental and economic costs of illegal mining. In 2024 alone, Ghana imported excavators valued at approximately GH¢6.2 billion, making the machines the country’s third-largest import item. However, concerns remain that a significant portion of these excavators find their way to illegal mining sites, further aggravating the destruction of forests and water bodies.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed strong support for the initiative, stressing the government’s commitment to collaborating with agencies such as the DVLA and the Ministry of Transport to regulate and monitor the use of excavators across the country.
“This is a necessary step to curb the rampant environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and to foster sustainable resource management practices,” the Minister said.
As the May 1 implementation date approaches, the DVLA is urging all importers and operators of heavy machinery to comply with the new registration requirement. Non-compliance, the Authority warns, could result in severe penalties, including the impounding of unregistered equipment.
The mandatory registration of excavators is expected to complement other regulatory measures aimed at addressing the galamsey menace and restoring Ghana’s degraded lands and water bodies.
