Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, plans to allocate GH₵10 million annually to the Geological Survey Authority.
The allocation is intended to maximise the benefits Ghanaians derive from the exploration of Ghana’s mineral resources.
The amount he added would also help the Authority prevent the trial-and-error process of exploring minerals which destroy the environment
The Vice President disclosed that the geological survey department has identified the specific locations of the minerals and will narrow the work of mineral exploration companies.
He also promised to introduce a community mining scheme with a support system to explore the minerals.
“We intend to resource the geological survey department with at least GH₵10 million every year to locate the minerals. This will prevent the trial-and-error process of exploring minerals which destroy the environment”
“We will initiate the community mining scheme and provide them with a common user facility for them to mine.” Dr Bawumia said while campaigning in the Akwatia constituency.”
The NPP flagbearer called for Chiefs’ involvement in the minerals licensing regime to ensure efficient mining and for their stake in future small-scale operations.
“In the mining licensing process, we have to involve the chiefs, if not it will not end well for the country. We also have to provide for an equity stake of the chiefs in the concessions.” Dr. Bawumia added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
