The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has signed a Geological Investigation Services Agreement with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) in a move aimed at reshaping Ghana’s approach to small-scale mining, with a shift from enforcement-only measures toward inclusion and structured regulation.
The agreement marks a new phase in government efforts to address illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey, which has long been tackled through interdiction and prosecution. While interventions such as the establishment of the Blue Water Guards and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have contributed to protecting water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands, authorities say more sustainable and innovative solutions are now being prioritised under the leadership of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader resource governance agenda.
Under the MDF–GGSA arrangement, the focus will shift toward creating structured pathways for mining communities to operate legally, responsibly and profitably rather than being excluded entirely from mining activities.
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority will carry out comprehensive geological investigations in designated “blocked-out” areas allocated to the MDF by the Minerals Commission. These assessments will determine mineral viability as well as environmental risk, ensuring that only suitable sites are approved for extraction.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, described the initiative as a turning point in Ghana’s approach to managing mineral resources at the community level.
“We are giving communities the tools, data and legal backing to mine responsibly, protect their environment and benefit sustainably from their natural resources,” she said.
At the heart of the initiative is a data-driven framework designed to guide decision-making and improve oversight in the small-scale mining sector. The GGSA will provide geological intelligence to ensure that mining is carried out in a manner that reduces environmental harm while maximising economic returns.
The Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Dr. Prosper Akaba, said the scientific approach distinguishes the new strategy from previous interventions.
“With proper investigation, we can ensure that mining activities are conducted in areas that minimise environmental risks and maximise economic benefits,” he noted.
The agreement, signed in Accra, forms part of Ghana’s broader national policy direction on cooperative mining licences for artisanal and small-scale mining communities, aimed at promoting sustainability, accountability and inclusive economic participation in the sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
