The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has warned all owners and operators of excavators to register their machines, by June 1, or risk seizure and legal consequences.
This directive, which forms part of intensified efforts to combat illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey —applies to all categories of excavators, including those owned by individuals, dealers, and mining concessionaires.
Addressing the media in Accra, DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasized that the move is in response to the widespread use of unregistered earth-moving equipment in forest reserves and water bodies.
The DVLA noted that the operation is being carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, Minerals Commission, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division).
The DVLA warned that effective June 1, 2025, a national enforcement exercise will begin following the issuance of a 2 week ultimatum.
According to them, unregistered excavators found at mining or farming sites will be confiscated, and their operators or owners may face arrest.
“Every excavator operator out there, you have two weeks to register your excavator. This is because most of the machines that were found on site were not registered, and the DVLA finds this so disrespectful, and it amounts to breaking the law.
“We are not going to allow that to continue. After the two weeks, we, together with the police, will go round to arrest either the owners or seize the excavators,” he said
“Galamsey and the massive distractions we witness are facilitated greatly by excavators that are imported into this country. This menace poses an existential threat to everyone living in Ghana. It threatens both current and future generations”, he added.
The Authority has urged all owners and operators of such machinery to visit the nearest DVLA office within their jurisdiction to regularize their operations within the stipulated timeframe.
