GGSA’s FUTURE AS A COMMERCIAL HUB: LANDS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR TRANSFORMATION

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he Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has called for a paradigm shift in the operations of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to transform it into a commercially viable entity that weans itself off government subvention.

During his first official visit to the GGSA since his appointment on Thursday, 10th April 2025, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah expressed his disbelief that such a strategic institution still relies solely on government funding. He pledged to collaborate with management and staff to reposition the GGSA as a revenue-generating hub that contributes significantly to the national coffers.

“There is no reason why an organization like yours should constantly struggle with funding. We will take steps to improve your financial standing because the services you provide must translate into revenue. I don’t see why employees of other institutions should be paid better than you. Your work is critical, and I am committed to working with you to drive this change,” he emphasized.

The Minister described the GGSA as one of the most important institutions under his Ministry and assured that all necessary efforts would be directed toward its commercialization. He reiterated the need for staff and management across all institutions under his purview to align with the government’s reset agenda, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama. “Everyone here must work toward achieving the government’s reset agenda for the GGSA. If we all fulfill our responsibilities, we will move in the right direction together,” he urged.

The Director-General of the GGSA, Mr. Isaac Kuuwan Mwinbelle, welcomed the Minister’s visit as a testament to his dedication to transforming the Authority. In a detailed presentation, he outlined several key projects, including Limestone Investigation (North-East Region), Clay Investigation (Eastern and Central Regions), Preparation and Update of District Mineral Occurrence Maps (Ashanti Region), Earthquake Monitoring & Geohazards Assessment (Nationwide), Seismic Sensitization and Education

Mr. Mwinbelle also highlighted the GGSA’s 2025 strategic targets, designed to enhance Ghana’s geological resource management:
• Development of a 10-Year Strategic Plan – A roadmap for sustainable geological resource management in line with the government’s vision.
• Operationalizing Act 928 (2016) – Strengthening the GGSA’s regulatory framework.
• Upgrading the National Seismic Network – Transitioning to advanced data transmission systems.
• Publishing Technical Geological Bulletins – Enhancing knowledge dissemination.

These initiatives, he noted, underscored the GGSA’s commitment to bolstering its capabilities and supporting Ghana’s sustainable development. Their successful implementation is expected to positively impact the extractive industries and broader economic growth.

The Minister’s visit reaffirmed the government’s resolve to reposition the GGSA as a self-sustaining, revenue-generating institution, pivotal to Ghana’s natural resource management and economic progress.

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