The government has reiterated its commitment to bolstering the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) with the necessary resources to identify mineralized areas and promote responsible, sustainable mining practices.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, gave this assurance during his maiden visit to the GGSA headquarters in Accra on Thursday. His visit underscored the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges confronting the authority and the mining sector at large.
Speaking to staff and management, Minister Buah emphasized the critical role of the GGSA in combating illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey. He assured them that his ministry would ensure the Authority operates efficiently and effectively. As part of these efforts, the Minister announced that the Minerals Investment and Income Fund (MIIF) would channel more resources into researching mineralized areas to boost the Authority’s operational capacity.
Minister Buah stressed the importance of diversifying GGSA’s funding sources, highlighting the need for public-private partnerships to supplement government allocations. “We must move beyond solely relying on government resources and explore partnerships that can increase our internally generated funds. This will enable the GGSA to achieve its mandate without undue financial constraints,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged long-standing issues affecting the GGSA workforce, including low remuneration, high staff turnover, and inadequate working conditions. He promised to address these concerns and transform the GGSA into a profitable, modern, and efficient institution capable of meeting both local and international standards.
A key part of this transformation includes refurbishing outdated equipment and building the capacity of GGSA staff. Minister Buah assured staff that the government would prioritize investments in modern technology and training programs to enhance operational efficiency. He also pledged to fulfil specific requests raised by employees, including the provision of a bus for transportation and state-of-the-art soil sample testing equipment.
During an open forum, field officers shared harrowing experiences of facing hostility in mineralized communities. One geoscientist recounted a near-attack on field officers collecting soil samples, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement with local assemblies and community leaders before initiating exploratory activities. Minister Buah assured staff that such concerns would be addressed, with plans to strengthen communication and collaboration between the GGSA and local communities to ensure the safety of field officers.
The visit concluded with a renewed sense of optimism among GGSA staff, as Minister Buah reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support. “The GGSA is a cornerstone in our quest for sustainable mining. Together, we will ensure it thrives as a world-class institution contributing significantly to Ghana’s economic growth,” he stated.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
