Government will resource the Research Unit of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to identify mineralised areas to aid prospective miners to mine responsibly and sustainably.
Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, gave the assurance during his maiden visit to the GGSA head office in Accra on Thursday, to familiarise himself with its operations and challenges.
The minister said the work of the GGSA was critical towards fighting the illegal small-scale mining menace and assured that his outfit would support the Authority to operate efficiently and profitably.
“I will make sure the Minerals Investment and Income Fund (MIIF) increases the portion of the funds meant for researching mineralised areas to enable you to operate efficiently,” the Minister assured.
Mr Buah underscored the need for the Authority to explore avenues through public-private partnerships to increase its internally generated funds, instead of relying solely on Central Government’s support.
“I can see many of the workers here are unhappy about their remunerations, with high employee attrition rate, and so, you and I have to work together to transform the Survey Authority and make it more profitable,” Mr Buah said.
He entreated the management and staff of the GGSA to align with the Government’s policies and programmes to help transform the institution.
“I’m ready to work with workers who are dedicated, with integrity and are prepared to work hard to change the fortunes of the Authority for the better,” Mr Buah assured.
The Minister pledged to support the management of the Authority to build staff capacity and refurbish dysfunctional equipment.
During the open forum, the staff requested a bus to transport them to work, and modern equipment for soil sample testing.
Some workers also expressed concerns about the dangers the field officers face on the field while exploring for mineralised areas.
A geoscientist with the Authority recounted an incident in a community where the indigenes nearly attacked them on the field while taking soil samples.
The officer suggested that the management of the GGSA must properly communicate to the various Assemblies and communities before assigning them to the field to avoid risking their lives.
GNA
