Lands Minister Urges GGSA to Drive Mineral Resource Diversification

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has called on the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to play an active role in diversifying the country’s mineral resources.

Speaking at the opening of GGSA’s newly refurbished head office, a facility now equipped with modern technology to support its expanded mandate in small-scale mining and resource management, Mr. Jinapor applauded the management of the Authority for their dedication in completing the renovation.

He emphasized the strategic role of the updated facility adding that the enhancement aligns with the government’s broader initiative to strengthen state institutions, including the ongoing construction of district and regional offices for the Minerals Commission.

These infrastructure improvements, he said, are designed to create a supportive work environment and strengthen the oversight and sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources.

Highlighting the significance of geological investigations, the minister remarked that a stronger geological survey could have mitigated challenges related to illegal mining. “The mining industry relies on geological investigations; without it, there is no industry. GGSA’s work underpins our understanding and responsible exploitation of mineral, water, energy, and construction resources,” he stated, underlining the authority’s extended impact beyond mining to agriculture and energy.

He pledged government support to the GGSA, urging its management and staff to embrace the facility’s potential in advancing Ghana’s green minerals agenda. “This refurbished office will facilitate our sustainable resource management efforts,” Mr. Jinapor added.

The Director General of GGSA, Isaac Mwinbelle, lauded the Minister for his continued support and also noted the contribution of staff, management, and contractors, for completing the project on time, nine months after it began.

Mr. Mwinbelle noted that the GGSA’s work has provided essential baseline data for the country’s mining, water, and agricultural sectors.

He also announced a partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at enhancing geological data to support Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

He appealed for increased resources to further the GGSA’s mission, emphasizing that accurate data from the authority would greatly benefit Ghana’s extractive industries.

Source:thehighstreetjournal.com