Ghana’s Mineral resources are a treasure trove waiting to be tapped, but the current exploration process is akin to a treasure hunt gone wrong.
The “trial and error” approach, where companies are given prospecting licenses to search for minerals without a clear map, results in environmental destruction and inefficient use of resources.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, has vowed to revolutionize this process by injecting at least GH₵10 million annually into the Geological Survey Authority.
According to him, the funding will enable the authority to identify specific mineral locations, streamlining the exploration process and minimizing environmental damage.
But that’s not all – Dr. Bawumia also plans to empower local communities to take ownership of their mineral resources through a community mining scheme.
This initiative will provide common user facilities for small-scale miners, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to extract minerals efficiently and safely.
In a nod to the critical role of traditional leaders, Dr. Bawumia also proposes involving chiefs in the granting of mining licensing process and offering them an equity stake in concessions.
This move recognizes the importance of community buy-in and aims to ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably.
By transforming the mineral exploration process, Dr. Bawumia’s vision promises to unlock Ghana’s full mineral potential while protecting the environment and empowering local communities.
BY Daniel Bampoe