The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has urged the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to intensify its surveys as the government seeks to harness green mineral resources.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Ultra-modern office complex for the Authority in Accra on Thursday, he highlighted the role of geological investigations in the extractive sector, stressing that, “the current challenges of illegal small-scale mining could have been eased with a well-resourced and robust geological survey department.”
He indicated that the modernisation of the GGSA office acknowledges the Authority’s role in the country’s extractive sector and marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to the effective management of natural resources.
Mr. Jinapor explained that since its establishment, the GGSA has significantly contributed to the country’s development by providing data that forms the scientific basis for understanding and exploiting natural resources.
He stated that, “The Authority’s work goes beyond the mining sector to encompass the water, energy, agriculture, and construction industries.”
The Director General of GGSA, Isaac Mwinbelle, acknowledged the dedication of the management, staff and contractors in ensuring that the project, which began nine months ago, was completed on schedule.
“The data provided by the authority over the years has served as baseline information for further developments in the mining, water, agriculture, and other sectors,” he noted.
Mr Mwinbelle urged the government to resource the authority to provide accurate data for the extractive sector, noting that such information would be immensely beneficial to the country.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
