The Driver and Automobile Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced the obligatory registration of excavators and farm tools on the Tema and Takoradi ports, as a part of a strategic nationwide effort to fight unlawful mining and environmental degradation.
This initiative, introduced on the DVLA’s 2025 Mid-12 months Assessment Convention in Ejisu, marks a major step in monitoring heavy-duty equipment coming into the nation and making certain accountability of its use.
Addressing the convention, DVLA’s Deputy Chief Govt (Companies), Foster Akwasi Asante, defined that the registration train aligns with authorities’s renewed dedication to environmental safety and accountable useful resource governance.
He additionally disclosed that the Authority had efficiently cleared a backlog of licence functions relationship again to January 2024, following the activation of its 24-hour print farm and the commissioning of its Adentan workplace, now working across the clock.
The convention, themed: ‘Resetting DVLA for an Environment friendly and Efficient 24-Hour Operation,’ additionally served as a platform for the Ministry of Transport to announce plans to amend Ghana’s Street Visitors Rules, 2012 (L.I. 2180) to ascertain a complete authorized framework for the industrial use of bikes and tricycles in passenger transport companies.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Ministry outlined its intention to formalise the operations of bikes (okada) and tricycles (pragya, aboboya), which have turn into indispensable transport modes throughout many areas.
Below the revised rules, operators could be required to endure formal coaching and acquire industrial driving or driving licences earlier than providing fare-paying companies.
“This initiative is a part of broader authorities efforts to reinforce street security, scale back accident charges, and regulate casual transport methods inside a monitored framework,” the Minister said, including that the DVLA would play a central function in licensing and coaching — a requirement he described as non-negotiable.
He urged stakeholders to stay dedicated to bettering DVLA’s companies and referred to as for strengthened collaboration with the Nationwide Street Security Authority, the Motor Visitors and Transport Division of the Ghana Police Service, and different key actors within the transport ecosystem.
The Minister additionally recommended DVLA’s upcoming rollout of security-enhanced quantity plates embedded with digital chips, describing them as aligned with worldwide greatest practices. He praised the Authority’s transition to 24-hour operations as a daring step towards service excellence.
Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, Ms Jerryne Asante, Chief Govt of the Ejisu Municipal Meeting, lauded DVLA’s transformation from a problem-solving establishment to a mannequin of public sector innovation.
She inspired the authority to construct on its achievements and embrace the long run boldly — significantly in formalising okada, pragya, and aboboya operations.
“These transport modes usually are not solely important in rural and semi-urban areas, however in addition they supply viable employment alternatives for Ghana’s youth,” she famous.
“DVLA’s success story isn’t just about achievements; it’s concerning the instance you set for others. You’ve turn into a benchmark for innovation and effectivity in public service”, she added.
FROM KINGSLEY E. HOPE, EJISU
