6 Relevant Institutions Regulating Ghana’s Mining Industry

Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which is headed by a cabinet minister appointed by the President, has overall responsibility for forest sector planning and policy direction and for monitoring sector programs towards the attainment of the national goals. The ministry is thus responsible for the management of Ghana’s land, forests, wildlife and mineral resources.

Minerals Commission

The Minerals Commission as the main promotional and regulatory body for the minerals sector in Ghana is responsible for the regulation and management of the utilization of the mineral resources of Ghana and the coordination and implementation of policies relating to mining. It also ensures compliance with Ghana’s Mining and Mineral Laws and Regulation through effective monitoring. The Minerals Commission is mandated to formulate recommendations of national policy for the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, with special reference to establishing national priorities, having regard to the national economy. The Commission is also mandated to monitor the implementation of laid-down government policies on minerals and report to the minister, monitor the operations of all bodies or establishments with responsibility for minerals and report to the Minister, and receive and assess public agreements relating to minerals and report to Parliament. The Commission’s mandate also requires it to secure a firm basis of comprehensive data collection on national mineral resources and the technologies of exploration and exploitation for national decision making, and perform such other functions as the Minister may assign it.

Geological Survey Department

The Geological Survey Department is responsible for geological studies including map production and maintenance of geological record. Geological mapping and detailed ground investigations to determine coastal pollution and sanitation sites, and areas prone to flooding and urban erosion were completed. These are considered essential to the planning and developmental purposes.

Lands Commission

The Lands Commission, on behalf of the Government, manage public lands and any other lands vested in the President by the Constitution or by any other law and any lands vested in the Commission; advise the Government, local authorities and traditional authorities on the policy framework for the development of particular areas of the country to ensure that the development of individual pieces of land is coordinated with the relevant development plan for the area concerned; formulate and submit to Government recommendations on national policy with respect to land use suitability or capability; and, advise on, and assist in the execution of, a comprehensive program for the registration of title to land throughout the country.

Chamber of Mines

The Chamber of Mines is the main minerals industry association in Ghana. The Chamber represents the collective interests of companies involved in mineral exploration, production and processing in Ghana. Its activities are entirely funded by its member companies, which produce over 90 per cent of the Ghana’s mineral output. The Chamber has represented the industry’s interests since 1928. The Chamber of Mines represents the Mining Industry in Ghana using the resources and capabilities of its members to deliver services that address members, government and community needs, in order to enhance development.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency is an agency under the Ministry of Environment, Science Technology and Innovation. The agency was set up under EPA Act 490 (1994). It is an agency dedicated to continuously improving and conserving the country’s environment, a country in which all sections of the community value the environment and strive to attain environmentally sustainable development, with sound and efficient resource management, taking into account social and equity issues. The Agency oversees the implementation of the National Environment Policy.