The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Minerals Commission have announced a significant policy shift aimed at tightening controls over excavators used in Ghana’s mining sector, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation.
During a strategic meeting at the Minerals Commission headquarters in Accra, DVLA Chief Executive, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, and the Excavator Tracking Team of the Minerals Commission discussed measures to close critical regulatory gaps in the management of heavy-duty machinery.
Strengthening Oversight to Curb Illegal Mining
One of the key issues highlighted was the widespread use of unregistered excavators, which complicates monitoring and enforcement efforts. While the Minerals Commission tracks equipment operated by registered concession holders, many excavators remain outside the DVLA’s oversight, despite its exclusive mandate to register all vehicles and heavy machinery in Ghana.
Mr. Kotey emphasized that integrating the DVLA’s registration systems into the broader mining regulation framework is crucial for effective oversight. He announced that the DVLA will deploy mobile service teams to mining regions, ensuring all operational excavators are properly registered and tracked.
New Port Registration Policy
In a major step towards tightening control, the two agencies agreed that all excavators entering Ghana will be registered at the port of entry, a move designed to prevent unregistered machinery from reaching mining sites without proper oversight. This policy shift aims to eliminate loopholes that have previously allowed unregistered equipment to bypass regulatory checks.
Technology-Driven Solutions
The meeting, facilitated by Dr. Sylvester Akpah, a Computer Science Engineer from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), also explored the potential of integrating digital tracking technologies to enhance real-time monitoring of excavator movements and usage, further boosting enforcement efforts.
A Call for Inter-Agency Collaboration
Mr. Kotey reaffirmed the DVLA’s commitment to supporting national efforts against illegal mining, stressing that effective collaboration between regulatory bodies is essential for sustainable mining practices.
“Strong inter-agency coordination is critical if we are to effectively tackle the challenges posed by illegal mining and equipment misuse,” Kotey stated.
With these new measures, the DVLA and the Minerals Commission aim to strengthen oversight, reduce environmental damage, and promote more sustainable practices in Ghana’s mining sector.
