Lands minister commissions newly-refurbished Ghana Geological Survey Authority office

The newly-renovated head office for the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has been commissioned in Accra with renewed optimism that the ultra-modern office, equipped with modern technology, will enable the GGSA to play an effective role in Ghana’s bid to revamp its small-scale mining sector and diversify its mineral resources.

At a brief ceremony held in Accra on Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, who cut the ribbon for the official opening of the magnificent facility, commended the management and staff of the GGSA for their diverse roles in the renovation process.

The Lands Minister stated that the modernization of the GGSA office is not only a recognition of its important value to 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 ultra-modern 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 the 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 utilization 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.

Director General of GGSA, Mr. Isaac Mwinbelle, commended Hon. Abu Jinapor for his consistent support to the authority and appealed for more support to enable the authority to deliver on its mandate.

He also appreciated 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, Patrick 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.

Patrick 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.