Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
The proposed Ghana Integrated Bauxite and Aluminium Development Authority (GIBADA) is not another mining regulatory body, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has explained.
Dr Bawumia gave the assurance when the Minerals Commission Board, led by S.K. Boafo, its chairman, paid a courtesy on him at the Jubilee House.
The Vice President explained that GIBADA was established to promote and facilitate the development of an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana.
According to Dr Bawumia, the Minerals Commission would continue to play its regulatory role under the constitution of Ghana.
He, therefore, urged the board to continue to champion the cause.
On illegal mining, he noted that during his recent trip to the Western Region, specifically Tarkwa, Prestea and Wassa Akropong, concerns were raised by the people and chiefs regarding the extensive destruction of the environment by illegal miners who use excavators and Changfans.
He was, however, hopeful government’s flagship blueprint, the Multi-sectorial Mining Integrated Project (MMIP), when launched, would help resolve challenges in the small scale mining sub-sector.
Responding to an appeal by Mr S.K. Boafo for government to take a second look at VAT on exploration operations and allied services in the sector, the Vice President said that discussions were far advanced.
Outlining some of the initiatives of the Board since its inauguration last November 2017, the Board Chairman noted that work has commenced to restructure the Commission to position it to effectively perform its functions in the country’s mining sector.
According to the Board Chairman, progress has been made in this regard with the re-assignment of technical offices in the departments of the commission.