By Felix Cofie
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has pledged government’s full support for the transformation of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) into a commercially viable and self-sustaining institution.
During his first official visit to the GGSA since assuming office, the Minister expressed concern over the Authority’s continued dependence on government subventions, despite its strategic role in Ghana’s natural resource sector.
“There is no reason why an organization as important as GGSA should be struggling for government funds,” Mr. Buah said. “The services you provide must translate into revenue here. Your work is essential, and I am committed to working with you to change the current situation.”
He emphasized the need for a complete shift in the GGSA’s operations, urging management and staff to embrace President John Mahama’s “reset agenda” and align their work with the government’s vision of institutional reform and national development.
“Everyone here must work to ensure that the government’s reset agenda for the GGSA is achieved. If we all perform our responsibilities, we will be on the same page,” the Minister added.
Mr. Buah reaffirmed his belief in the GGSA’s potential to generate revenue, insisting that it should be repositioned as a commercial hub capable of contributing significantly to the national economy.
The Director-General of the GGSA, Mr. Isaac Kuuwan Mwinbelle, welcomed the Minister’s visit and praised his vision for reform. He presented a detailed overview of the GGSA’s current initiatives, which include:
• Limestone Investigation in the North-East Region
• Clay Investigations in the Eastern and Central Regions
• District Mineral Occurrence Mapping in the Ashanti Region
• Nationwide Earthquake Monitoring and Geohazard Assessments
• Seismic Sensitization and Public Education
Mr. Mwinbelle also outlined the GGSA’s 2025 strategic goals, which include:
• Development of a 10-Year Strategic Plan for sustainable geological resource management
• Full operationalization of GGSA’s legal framework under Act 928 (2016)
• Upgrading the National Seismic Network for improved data transmission
• Publishing a series of Technical Geological Bulletins
These projects, he noted, are designed to position the GGSA as a key player in Ghana’s extractive industries while supporting national economic growth through sustainable resource management.
The visit marks a significant step in the government’s broader push to reform state institutions, promote transparency, and enhance the value of Ghana’s natural resources.
