Accra: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a two-week ultimatum for owners of unregistered excavators and farm equipment to complete their registration at DVLA offices nationwide. This move is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal mining activities in Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, the DVLA plans to deploy a taskforce to mining sites to seize unregistered excavators and mechanically propelled farm equipment following the two-week grace period. Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, Chief Executive of DVLA, emphasized that this measure aims to address challenges in tracking the owners of equipment used in illegal mining, as many excavators currently operating are not registered, violating the Road Traffic Act, 2004(Act 683).

The lack of registration complicates efforts by the DVLA and security agencies to monitor and apprehend those involved in illegal mining. Mr. Kotey highlighted the importance of registering all excavators and equipment to facilitate operational efficiency and accurate data tracking, enabling the arrest of individuals engaging in unlawful mining practices.

Under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004(Act 683), it is illegal to operate motor vehicles or trailers, including farming equipment, without registration by the DVLA. To enforce this law, the DVLA has implemented procedures for registering excavators and farming equipment at the port of entry into Ghana.

Starting June 1, 2025, the DVLA will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to confiscate and arrest any unregistered excavators found at mining sites or used commercially. Mr. Kotey stressed that owners of unregistered equipment currently in operation have two weeks from the announcement to comply with registration requirements, or face the risk of having their equipment seized by the authorities.