By Gideon Peprah
Kumasi, June 04, GNA – The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) is urging the government and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to extend the two-week deadline for the registration of excavators.
While the association strongly supports the initiative, they fear the short timeline may present logistical difficulties for their members.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi, the Ashanti District Secretary of the GNASSM, pledged the association’s support for the DVLA’s efforts to regulate heavy-duty equipment, a move aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and protecting the environment.
“We commend the DVLA for their proactive approach to this critical issue, however we believe a two-week window may not be sufficient for all our members to gather the required documentation, particularly considering existing purchase and payment agreements,” he told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.
The association is therefore appealing for an extension to ensure its members have ample opportunity to comply with the new regulations and avoid potential penalties.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi emphasized the importance of registration and urged all excavator owners, especially those within GNASSM, to prioritize compliance.
“Failure to register within the stipulated timeframe could lead to negative consequences,” he warned.
He believed that an extension would allow its members to fulfill the registration requirements effectively, contributing to the overall success of the government’s initiative to combat illegal mining.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Kenneh Odeng Adade