The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced stricter measures for excavator registration, requiring prior approval from the Ministry of Transport before any machine is registered or released.
DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, revealed the new directive during a visit by the Deputy Minister of Transport. He explained that the move forms part of efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and to enhance the authority’s vehicle tracking systems.
“Galamsey continues to pose serious environmental and health risks, polluting water bodies and soil across affected communities. To help address this, the Minister of Transport must give us the necessary permit before we proceed with the registration of any excavator,” Mr. Kotey stated.
In a related development, the Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ibrahim Amaliba, raised concerns over funding gaps and logistical constraints that continue to hamper the authority’s mandate.
“Our work is such that you can only function if you are given resources. You cannot go empty-handed to stations to educate drivers. At the moment, we don’t even have motorable vehicles to carry out our programmes. We are short-changed, particularly for this year,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has confirmed that the Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line will officially begin revenue operations on Wednesday, October 1, after the completion of maintenance works.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Frederick Appoh, said the Authority collaborated with contractors to address defects and encroachment challenges along the 99-kilometre stretch.
“The test run was successful, and we are set to commence the first proof of revenue service on the 1st of October,” Dr. Appoh confirmed.
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Source: Frederick Kofi Thompson-Quartey/ATLFMNEWS
