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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged to allocate at least $10 million annually to the Geological Survey Authority. This initiative is part of the NPP’s broader strategy to ensure that Ghanaians fully benefit from the exploration of the country’s mineral resources.
Dr. Bawumia criticized the current practice of granting companies prospecting licenses, describing it as a “trial and error” method that leads to environmental degradation. He emphasized, “We intend to resource the geological survey department with at least $10 million every year to locate the minerals. This will prevent the trial-and-error process of exploring minerals which destroy the environment.”
According to Dr. Bawumia, the Geological Survey Authority has already identified specific locations where minerals are located, which will streamline the operations of mineral exploration companies. Building on this, his government plans to launch a community mining scheme equipped with shared facilities to assist in the extraction process. “We will initiate the community mining scheme and provide them with a common user facility for them to mine,” Dr. Bawumia stated while addressing supporters in the Akwatia constituency.
To further ensure efficient and responsible mining practices, Dr. Bawumia proposed involving traditional leaders in the minerals licensing process. He believes that giving chiefs a stake in small-scale mining operations is crucial for the success and sustainability of mining activities. “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,” he added.
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