The Government has taken a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s extractive sector with a stakeholder engagement on a draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) aimed at fully operationalising the Ghana Geological Survey Authority Act, 2016 (Act 928).
The engagement, organised by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) was conducted under the auspices of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Addressing stakeholders, the Minister described the exercise as a critical milestone in unlocking the full potential of the GGSA, which plays a central role in mineral discovery and resource mapping in the country.
“This engagement is a crucial step toward operationalising Act 928 and strengthening the legal and institutional framework of Ghana’s extractive sector,” he stated.
He stressed that government remains focused on promoting transparency, sustainability, and national development through reforms in the natural resources sector.
Providing historical context, Mr Buah underscored the indispensable role of the Geological Survey Authority in Ghana’s mining value chain.
“Without the Ghana Geological Survey, walking around identifying mineral areas to find where the gold is, we will all be blind,” he noted, highlighting the Authority’s importance in guiding exploration and investment decisions.
The Minister acknowledged that despite the passage of Act 928 in 2016 to transform the Authority, its full implementation has been hindered by persistent funding constraints and weak institutional structures.
He, however, expressed confidence that the proposed Legislative Instrument would serve as a decisive tool to address these challenges.
“I firmly believe this draft L.I. represents a concrete vehicle to reinvigorate the Authority and position it to deliver on its mandate with renewed efficiency,” he said.
The GGSA, he noted, remains a critical pillar in Ghana’s extractive industry, tasked with discovering, mapping, and delineating mineralised zones across the country.
Mr Buah also commended the leadership of the Authority, led by Dr Prosper Akaba, and its staff for their dedication to advancing reforms in the sector.
The stakeholder engagement forms part of broader efforts by government to strengthen governance, improve regulatory oversight, and enhance the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources.
The move is expected to boost investor confidence, improve data-driven decision-making in the mining sector, and ensure that Ghana derives maximum value from its mineral wealth.
