By Comfort Sweety Hayford
Copyright atlfmnews
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has revealed that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced the registration of earth-moving equipment as part of government’s renewed fight against illegal mining.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mr. Nikpe disclosed that the initiative has so far recorded significant progress, noting “The DVLA has successfully registered 9,240 earth-moving equipment under this exercise.”
According to him, each machine is issued a special identification number, which is subsequently shared with the Minerals Commission to enhance monitoring and tracking.
Turning to the transport sector, Mr. Nikpe assured that government is committed to revitalizing distressed state-owned transport companies, including Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) and Intercity STC Coaches Limited.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the government is committed to revitalizing Metro Mass Transit Limited and Intercity STC Coaches Limited, which are currently in distress and need urgent financial support,” he said.
He added that plans are underway to reorganize fleets and modernize infrastructure for efficiency.
“The MMTL fleet will include 350 Toyota Hiace buses, 100 Coaster buses, and 50 cargo and parcel trucks. Deliveries will commence at the end of this year through early 2026. Other arrangements are underway to modernise Intercity STC fleets in phases, including the introduction of electronic buses for their operations,” he explained.
On the matter of agitations by staff of the Ghana Railway Company Limited over unpaid salaries, Mr. Nikpe expressed empathy for the workers and revealed that discussions with the Finance Ministry are ongoing to find a lasting solution.
“The inability to pay salaries is linked to insufficient revenue generation caused by infrastructural deterioration. But I want to assure staff that sustainable measures are being pursued,” he assured.
He further pledged that halted railway projects, such as the Tema-Mpakadan line and the Takoradi-Kumasi line, will soon resume once outstanding issues are resolved.
On aviation, the Minister highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening the sector, noting its strategic role in boosting trade, tourism, and mining.
Mr. Nikpe’s engagement formed part of the government’s accountability series, aimed at bridging the communication gap between the state and citizens while providing progress updates on key sectors.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
