The new governing board of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has been inaugurated with a call on them to implement measures that will ensure effective registration and tracking of all earth moving equipment operating in the country.
The government, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey in Ghana, has, over time, pledged to reclaim lands that have been destroyed by the illegal small scale miners and confiscate all illegal mining equipment.
In this regard, several illegal miners have been arrested over the years by anti-galamsey taskforces, with some of them having their mining equipment seized or burnt.
To stop the continuous practice, the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, during the swearing-in ceremony of the DVLA board, tasked the members to “put systems in place to register and track all earth moving equipment operating in the country” as this will “ensure that mining operations are sanitized to safeguard the natural environment and protect wildlife”.
“The role of DVLA is very crucial, and I expect the Board to provide the necessary guidance and direction to enable the Authority to play its expected role,” he added.
Here is the list of members of the governing board of the DVLA:
1. Frank Herbert Davies Esq. – Chairman
2. Kwasi Agyeman Busia – Member
3. Kwamena Duncan – Member
4. Amin Abdul-Rahaman – Member
5. Ing. May A. Obiri-Yeboah – Member
6. Lt Col. Harry Keelson – Member
7. Robinson Kwasi Martey – Member
8. Emmanuel Ohene- Yeboah – Member
9. Dr. Mahama Wayo – Member
10. Francis Yao Agbozo – Member
11. Emmanuel P. O. Boakye – Member
12, Francis Larbi- Odame – Member
13. DCOP Francis Aboagye Nyarko Esq – Member
The Minister also swore in members of the boards of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, and the National Road Safety Authority.