The Government has signed a Geological Investigation Services Agreement between the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), marking a shift from a largely enforcement-driven approach to a more structured and inclusive mining framework.
For years, efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, have focused on arrests, prosecutions, and operations aimed at protecting water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands. Initiatives such as the Blue Water Guards and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) have formed part of this ongoing crackdown.
While these enforcement measures continue under the leadership of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, in line with the broader vision of John Dramani Mahama, the new agreement signals a shift toward creating regulated opportunities within the sector.
The MDF–GGSA partnership aims to establish a clear and legal pathway for mining communities to operate responsibly and profitably within defined guidelines.
Under the agreement, the GGSA will carry out detailed geological studies in designated “blocked-out” areas allocated to the MDF by the Minerals Commission. These assessments will evaluate both mineral potential and environmental risks, ensuring that only suitable areas are approved for mining.
Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, Administrator of the MDF, described the initiative as a major step forward in managing Ghana’s 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.
A key feature of the agreement is its focus on data-driven decision-making. The GGSA’s technical expertise is expected to provide the geological insights needed to guide safer, more efficient mining while reducing environmental damage and improving economic outcomes.
Director-General of the GGSA, Dr Prosper Akaba, said the scientific foundation of the initiative sets it apart from previous reforms.
“With proper investigation, we can ensure that mining activities are conducted in areas that minimise environmental risks and maximise economic benefits,” he noted.
Signed in Accra, the agreement forms part of a broader policy shift towards cooperative mining licences for artisanal and small-scale miners, with a renewed focus on sustainability, regulation, and inclusive resource governance.