By Kizito CUDJOE
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) is conducting detailed geological investigations in designated areas across the country to determine mineralised areas of gold deposits to support the Community Mining Scheme, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said.
The initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP). It aims to improve the regulation of small-scale mining nationwide.
This development, according to the minister, forms part of efforts to deal with the issue of illegal mining in the country.
The minister emphasised the importance of managing Ghana’s geological resources responsibly. He noted that the data gathered by GGSA would be essential in balancing economic goals with environmental protection.
“These insights will guide us in promoting sustainable growth,” he said. He further urged for continued support and engagement with GGSA to ensure geological data shapes policy and drives economic development.
Mr. Jinapor, who was speaking at the at the commissioning of the refurbished head office of GGSA, further announced that the government is in the process of amending the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912) to increase the allocation to the authority from mineral royalties from 8 percent to 13 percent.
“We are, also, aggressively working on a Legislative Instrument to fully operationalise the provisions of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Act, 2016 (Act 928), and to make the authority more functional,” he said.
Among other things, he reckoned that the authority has been instrumental in investigating and providing information on the dynamics of the earth beneath and their impact on life and socio-economic development, including geohazards.
The minister emphasised that the government’s policies in the mining sector has been the diversification of the country’s mineral resource base, being led by this authority.
“As we speak, there has been significant inroads into lesser-known minerals, such as clay, iron ore, limestone and clinker. I am confident that this refurbished edifice will inspire them the more to work on other lesser-known minerals, including nickel, zinc, chromium, copper, cobalt, lead, columbite and tantalite,” he added.
He, therefore, noted that the renovation of the GGSA office demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing geological research and promoting the sustainable use of our natural resources.
“We recognise the challenges posed by climate change, population growth and increasing resource demands. It is for this reason that we have committed to equipping our geological survey professionals with the latest tools and technologies, fostering innovation and enhancing their capacities to respond to these challenges,” he stated.
The Director-General of GGSA, Mr. Isaac Mwinbelle, acknowledged the support of the minister to the authority, and appealed for more support to enable them to deliver their mandate.
Highlighting the valuable role of the GGSA to the country, Mr. Mwinbelle stated that data provided by the GGSA over the years have served as baseline information for further work in the mining, water, agriculture and other industries.
He disclosed details of a Ghana-IMF partnership that will allow the GGSA to provide improved geological data that will help combat the nomadic nature of Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.
Mr. Mwinbelle further appealed to the government to resource the authority to provide accurate data for the country’s extractive sector, noting that such information will be extremely beneficial to the country.
