Accra: The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has entered into a Geological Investigation Services Agreement with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), marking a significant shift in the government's approach to addressing illegal small-scale mining. This new strategy emphasizes inclusion rather than just enforcement.
According to Ghana Web, for many years, Ghana's strategy to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has focused on interdiction and prosecution. Initiatives such as the Blue Water Guards and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have been implemented to protect water bodies, forest reserves, and farmland. However, under the leadership of Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, efforts are continuously evolving to align with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.
The recently signed MDF-GGSA agreement aims to transform the scenario by not merely excluding illegal miners but providing a structured pathway for communities to engage in legal, responsible, and profitable mining. The GGSA is tasked with conducting thorough geological investigations in designated "blocked-out" areas assigned to MDF by the Minerals Commission. These investigations will evaluate mineral viability and environmental risks, ensuring that only suitable areas are approved for extraction.
Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, Administrator of the MDF, described the agreement as a pivotal point in managing Ghana's mineral wealth at the grassroots level. She emphasized that communities will now have the tools, data, and legal support to mine responsibly, protect their environment, and sustainably benefit from their natural resources.
A key aspect of the initiative is the commitment to data-driven decision-making. The GGSA's involvement ensures the availability of geological intelligence, crucial for safe, efficient, and targeted mining operations. Dr Prosper Akaba, Director-General of the GGSA, highlighted that this scientific foundation distinguishes the new approach from previous reform efforts. He noted that proper investigation will allow mining activities to occur in areas that minimize environmental risks while maximizing economic benefits.
The agreement, signed in Accra, is part of Ghana's broader national policy on cooperative mining licenses for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.