In a decisive move to bring greater control and accountability to Ghana’s mining sector, the government has issued a new directive requiring that all machinery used in mining operations be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) no later than August 1, 2025.
The directive was announced in a statement signed by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who emphasized that the move is part of broader efforts to regulate the sector and combat illegal mining activities more effectively.
According to the statement, failure to comply with the directive will result in confiscation of unregistered equipment. Authorities say this policy will empower security agencies to track, identify, and remove unauthorized machinery from mining sites across the country.
“This is not just about compliance,” Minister Muntaka noted. “It’s about protecting our environment, formalizing our mining industry, and holding operators accountable. We are drawing a line between legal and illegal operations.”
The announcement comes amid rising concerns over environmental degradation, river pollution, and the unchecked spread of illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey. Government officials believe that enforcing machinery registration will curb illicit mining by limiting access to heavy-duty equipment used in destructive operations.
Mining operators, both small- and large-scale, have been urged to visit their nearest DVLA office to complete the registration process ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, enforcement teams are being trained and deployed in preparation for post-deadline inspections.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, industry observers say this move could mark a turning point in Ghana’s long-running battle to reform the mining sector and protect its natural resources.
