The New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to allocate at least GH₵10 million annually to the Geological Survey Authority.
This initiative is part of the NPP’s strategy to maximize the benefits Ghanaians gain from the exploration of the nation’s mineral resources.
Dr Bawumia expressed concerns over the current system, where companies are granted prospecting licenses to search for minerals through a ‘trial and error’ approach, often leading to environmental degradation.
“We plan to provide the Geological Survey Department with at least GH₵10 million each year to accurately locate mineral deposits. This will eliminate the destructive trial-and-error method of mineral exploration,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
He emphasized that the Geological Survey Department has already identified specific mineral-rich areas, which will streamline the operations of mining companies.
Building on this foundation, his government intends to launch a community mining scheme supported by a common user facility for mineral extraction.
“We will initiate the community mining scheme and equip them with a shared facility for mining,” Dr Bawumia announced during a campaign event in the Akwatia constituency.
To achieve efficient mining practices, Dr Bawumia believes it is crucial to involve traditional chiefs in the mineral licensing process.
He further advocates for granting chiefs an equity stake in future small-scale mining operations.
“In the mining licensing process, involving the chiefs is essential; otherwise, it won’t be beneficial for the country. We also need to ensure that chiefs have an equity stake in the concessions,” Dr Bawumia added.