The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued a two-week ultimatum to all owners and operators of excavators to register their machines, starting from May 14, 2025, or risk having them seized.

The directive forms part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The registration requirement applies to all categories of excavators, including those owned by individuals, dealers, and mining concessions.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasised that the move is aimed at curbing the illegal use of earth-moving equipment in forest reserves and water bodies.

“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.