The government has announced a sweeping directive aimed at tightening regulation in the mining sector, mandating that all machinery used in mining activities must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) by August 1, 2025.

In a statement issued and signed by the Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the government warned that mining equipment that remains unregistered after the deadline will be confiscated by the State without exception.

“This directive forms part of comprehensive efforts to reform the mining sector and improve internal security,” the statement read.

“The Ghana Police Service and the DVLA have been directed to begin full enforcement of this directive from August 2, 2025.”

The move is part of a broader national reset agenda to tackle illegal mining (galamsey) and the unregulated use of heavy machinery, which has contributed to widespread environmental degradation, particularly in forest reserves and along river bodies.

Authorities stated that the registration of mining machinery will allow for better traceability and accountability in the use of such equipment, many of which are currently used with little oversight in illegal and environmentally harmful operations.

The Ministry urged the public, particularly operators and owners of mining equipment, to take note of the directive and comply fully ahead of the deadline.

“The Ministry of the Interior remains committed to ensuring internal security and the maintenance of law and order in the country,” the statement added.