By Felix Cofie
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor has charged workers of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to play an effective role in Ghana’s bid to revamp its small-scale mining sector and diversify its mineral resources.
Speaking at the commissioning of an ultramodern office complex for the authority in Accra, the Sector Minister commended the management and staff of the GGSA for their diverse roles in the renovation process.
The Lands minister stated that the modernisation of the GGSA office is not only a recognition of the important value it plays in the country’s extractive sector but also a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to promoting effective management of the country’s natural resources.
He mentioned the construction of ultramodern district and regional offices for the Minerals Commission as part of a holistic plan by the government to ensure that state institutions operate in an environment that motivates them to deliver on their mandate consistently.
The Minister underscored the important role of geological investigations in the extractive sector, noting that the challenge of illegal small-scale mining would not have existed in its current form if the country had a well-resourced and robust geological survey department.
He explained that the GGSA has, since its establishment, contributed immensely to the country by providing data that forms the scientific foundation for understanding and exploiting the country’s natural resources.
While investigations into seismic activities and the mining sector are the widely known duties of the GGSA, Hon. Jinapor disclosed that the work of the GGSA extends to areas such as water, energy, and construction.
He, therefore, assured of government’s support to ensure that the GGSA delivers on its mandate and believes that the office, which he considers to be a befitting facility, will help the GGSA achieve this.
He charged the management and staff of the GGSA to revive their efforts and activities to help the country as the government charts a path toward harnessing green mineral resources.
“We commission this refurbished edifice for the GGSA to provide a conducive environment for our efforts towards effective, efficient, and sustainable management and utilisation of the mineral resources of our country.
“The mining industry thrives on geological investigations, and without geological investigations, you can’t have a mining industry. The GGSA has, since its establishment, played a critical role in our country, providing the scientific foundation necessary for understanding our natural resources. The work of the authority goes beyond the mining sector to encompass water, energy, agriculture, and construction industries,” he said.
The Director General of GGSA, Mr. Isaac Mwinbelle, commended the minister for his consistent support to the authority and appealed for more support to enable the authority to deliver on its mandate.
He also commended the efforts of management, staff, and contractors for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the project, which commenced nine months ago, was completed on schedule.
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 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. Isaac Mwinbelle 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.