The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a firm two-week ultimatum to all owners and operators of excavators and farm equipment nationwide, directing them to register their machinery by June 1, 2025, or face arrest and possible confiscation.

The directive, which takes effect from Tuesday, May 14, was announced by the Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, as part of renewed national efforts to tackle illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey."

According to Mr. Kotey, the registration of such heavy-duty equipment is a critical step toward enhancing regulatory oversight, preventing its misuse in illegal mining operations, and ensuring proper accountability across sectors.

“The DVLA, working in close partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Customs Division, the Minerals Commission, and other key stakeholders, has deployed registration teams at all ports of entry to ensure that every excavator or farm equipment arriving in the country is registered before release,” he stated.

Owners and operators are therefore advised to present all unregistered machinery to the nearest DVLA office for mandatory registration within the stipulated timeframe.

Mr. Kotey emphasised that failure to comply with this directive will lead to swift enforcement actions, including arrests and the seizure of unregistered equipment.

He noted, that this move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to combat environmental degradation and ensure responsible use of machinery within the mining and agricultural sectors.