Minerals-Commission-CEO-Engages-US-Government-Officials-and-Investors

MINERALS COMMISSION CEO ENGAGES UNITED STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND INVESTORS

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, on the sidelines of Investing in African Mining Indaba, Minerals Commission CEO, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, discussed progress in Ghana’s mining sector. This took place during an industry intel session, under the auspices of The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on technical cooperation and scientific collaboration between select US government agencies, private sector innovators, and their African counterparts.”

At a private roundtable dubbed “Technical Frontiers and Innovations in Mining Science for the Clean Energy Transition: Examining US-Africa Collaborations”, Mr. Ayisi advocated for the need for increased collaboration in knowledge and technology transfer between African mineral-rich countries, the US government, and American private sector innovators. He highlighted Ghana’s diverse mineral resources and noted that the lack of a centralized geological database hinders the development of mining projects. Mr. Ayisi also stressed the importance of advanced exploration technologies to provide comprehensive geological data on Ghana’s mineral wealth. Furthermore, he expressed concern about the ‘dig-and-dump’ culture prevalent among artisanal small-scale miners.

Mr. Ayisi indicated that as a means of securing sustainable knowledge and skills exchange, the Minerals Commission is sponsoring sixty (60) staff members to specialize in various mining courses at renowned universities worldwide, including Colorado School of Mines, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, all in the US. This he intimated is critical in building the capacity of the Commission to effectively discharge its regulatory authority in the ever-growing and evolving mining industry.

Mr. Ayisi also admonished investors to prioritize mineral processing in response to the emerging policy shift of Ghanaian government for value addition to all the country’s mineral resources. The mineral beneficiation policy of Ghana is aimed at enabling the country harness the full potentials and benefits of its natural resources.

In attendance was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Sulemanu Koney and the Manager of Corporate Affairs & IT at the Minerals Commission, Dr. Ahmed Tijani

African-Mining-Development-Center-(AMDC)-AU-Panel-Discussion.

AFRICAN MINING DEVELOPMENT CENTER (AMDC)-AU, PANEL DISCUSSION.

During the Africa Mining Indaba taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, took part in a panel discussion on the theme, “Advancing Green Technologies, Energies and Information in Africa: A Collaborative Approach.”

In his remarks, Mr. Ayisi emphasized the significant role of lithium in the dialogue surrounding clean energy and the transition to sustainable practices. He also underscored the importance for resource-rich African nations to explore various strategies for managing emerging and transition minerals.

Using Ghana’s sole lithium mining agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited as an example, Mr. Ayisi elaborated on Ghana’s innovative approach. He noted that, beyond generating fiscal revenue, the mining leaseholder is mandated to construct a processing facility for value addition, which he reckon could generate additional employment opportunities in the value chain of the mineral.

Furthermore, Mr. Ayisi underscored the necessity for Ghanaian involvement and share ownership and highlighted the shareholding participation of the country’s mining sector sovereign wealth fund, known as the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF). He also indicated that the mineral royalty rate of 5% has been increased to 10% in the lithium mining agreement.

Mr. Ayisi urged resource-rich African countries to strengthen collaboration as they seek to adopt new approaches in light of ongoing discussions regarding transition minerals.

Minerals-Commission-Hands-Over-Reclaimed-Lands-to-Nananom-in-Ashanti-Region

Minerals Commission Hands Over Reclaimed Lands to Nananom in Ashanti Region

On Monday, December 30, 2024, the management of Minerals Commission led by Mr. Samuel Yevu Tika, Deputy CEO, Small-Scale and Industrial Minerals, officially handed over seven reclaimed sites which had been previously degraded by illegal mining activities to the Chiefs and people of Asiwa, Beposo, Adakabunso 1 & 2, Yapeesa Kokoben, Anyinase, Odumasi and surrounding communities in the Ashanti Region.

The colourful durbar was hosted at the forecourt of the Bosome Freho District Assembly. In his opening remarks, Hon. Kofi Adu Amoateng, DCE of Bosome Freho expressed gratitude to the Board and Management of the Commission for this initiative to restore degraded lands and hand over to the Chiefs who are the custodians of these ancestral lands. He emphasized the importance of such a gesture and was hopeful these reclaimed lands will be put to productive use for the benefit on the people and communities. Hon. Amoateng applauded the great work done by the Consultant and the Contractor and admonished the Chiefs and people to protect these revegetated sites and charged them to resist any unlawful activities like galamsey which had destroyed farmlands and polluted water bodies.  

The lead consultant, Mr. Thomas Kojo Tsiboe-Darko, gave a brief overview of the reclamation project which commenced in October 2021. He reported that the project succeeded in restoring about 159.31 hectares of devastated lands located within the seven communities and cultivated economic trees like teak, acacia and mahogany. He stressed that the “completion of this journey to reclaiming lands destroyed by unsafe mining activities is an endeavour that represents a commitment to ecological recovery and sustainable development, an inspiring testament to what we can achieve when we are united by a common purpose”. Mr. Tsiboe-Darko  acknowledged the efforts of all partners and remarked “have been co-creators in the reclamation and restoration processes”. He commended Ghire Company Ltd, the contractor, for exhibiting high professional work ethics during the life of the project.

In a speech delivered by Mr. Samuel Yevu Tika, on behalf of Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, he expressed appreciation to the Chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities for their unflinching support and collaboration during the implementation of the project cumulating in a successful completion and handing over. He stated that even though reclamation marks the end of mine closure, it presents opportunity to heal the earth, to transform disturbed landscapes back into thriving vegetation, ecosystems, and to create spaces that our communities can benefit for generations to come. Mr. Tika also mentioned that the Minerals Commission has so far reclaimed about 493 hectares of devastated lands in the Ashanti, Western North and Central Regions. He encouraged all and sundry to come together to “redefine the legacy of mining by transforming past disturbances into opportunities for renewal and growth”.

Present at the event were Hon. Joseph Kwaku Nayan, DCEO (Support Services), Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director, Small Scale and Industrial Minerals and other officials from the Minerals Commission. Dignitariestaries from the beneficiary traditional councils, district assemblies, and district police commander were there to grace the occasion.

During the ribbon cutting and handing over of the lands to the Chiefs, Nana Korteabofour Dom ll, the representative of the Kokofumanhene, expressed his joy and satisfaction with the Government under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission for achieving this monumental feat which has restored depleted lands and revived farming activities in these communities. Nananom pledged to support the restoration of degraded lands and collaborate with all stakeholders for the conservation and development of their communities for future generations yet unborn.

SOLIDARIDAD AND MINERALS COMMISSION INAUGURATE NATIONAL PARTNERSFORUM TO COMBAT CHILD LABOUR IN GHANA’S GOLD SECTOR

SOLIDARIDAD AND MINERALS COMMISSION INAUGURATE NATIONAL PARTNERS
FORUM TO COMBAT CHILD LABOUR IN GHANA’S GOLD SECTOR

Minerals Commission Trains Women in Host Mining Communities at Fomena, Ashanti Region

Minerals Commission Trains Women in Host Mining Communities at Fomena, Ashanti Region

The second phase of Financial Independence, Skills Development and Women empowerment, an initiative of Minerals Commission, under the auspices of the Gender and International Affairs Unit, took place at Fomena in the Adansi-North District of Ashanti Region. This transformational workshop was held on 23rd and 24th of October 2024.

The Economic Skills Empowerment Programme aimed at women in host mining communities brought together over two hundred participants from 19 communities in the Adansi-North District. In his opening remarks, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Eric Kwaku Kisi commended the Board, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and management of Commission for the transformational initiative in his district and request for more of such alternative development skills to help curb the “galamsey” menace in the area.

The two-day event featured interactive workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, providing participants with practical tools and knowledge in beads making. The training provided participants with range of skills and renewed sense of purpose to explore for new and alternative business avenues for improve income and wellbeing. Minerals Commission, organizer of the event, equipped each participant with range of startup tools and urged them to put it into good use for enhanced practical skills and financial independence.

Minerals Commission Enhances Regulatory Footprints

MINERALS COMMISSION ENHANCES REGULATORY FOOTPRINTS

On September 18 2024, the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP for Damongo, officially opened the Minerals Commission newly constructed district office complex in Bibiani in the Western North Region. The chair for the occassion was Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs. The Hon. Minister, supported by the Board Chairperson and the CEO of the Commission, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi and Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Esq) among other dignitaries.
The Hon. Jinapor stated that despite the importance of this Office to the mining industry, it has been accommodated in a very small rented chamber and hall office space for more than thirty (30) years. He reiterated the fact that, this impeded the recruitment of new staff to augment the work of the office. The inadequacy of the Office became even more apparent following the internal restructuring of the Minerals Commission, which necessitated increasing services at the Regional and District Offices, such as cartography, survey, community relations, environmental protection, among others.

This is the second, after the commissioning of a similar office in Akim Oda in the Eastern Region. The Commission in the coming weeks shall officially open other newly constructed offices in Tamale in the the Northern Region, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Bole in the Savannah Region, Damang in the Western Region, Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region and Wa in the Upper West Region.

The new Bibiani office edifice is expected to enhance supervisory stewardship of Minerals Commission over the operations of the four large mining projects in the area; Asante Gold Corporation in Bibiani and Chirano, Ghana Bauxite Company in Awaso and Koantwi Mining Company Limited in Bibiani-Mmerewa. Also, the office will serve the thousands of licenced Artisanal Small-scale mining operations in the Bibiani mining district. This intervention will give greater impetus to decentralization of the application, issuance and management of mineral rights and the supervision of mining operations in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.

Construction of the office will further increase access to the services of the Minerals Commission. It will also enhance regulatory oversight and enforcement of mining laws and best practices in the area.

Minerals Commission Hosts Malawian Delegation in Ghana.

Minerals Commission Hosts Malawian Delegation in Ghana.

The Minerals Commission hosted a seven-member delegation from Malawi on a week-long visit (September 9-to-13, 2024). This was on a peer exchange initiative facilitated by the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) International Secretariat based in Oslo, Norway.

The delegation’s mission was to gain insight into Ghana’s mining industry, with a focus on institutional structure, legal framework, fiscal regime, environmental stewardship, good governance, revenue management, and prevailing mining industry linkages for opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Esq) during the opening session, commended the Malawian delegation for selecting Ghana as a model to study. He encouraged the delegation to engage extensively with the Commission’s staff and other relevant institutions as scheduled.

The Peer Exchange Mission aimed to enhance the Malawian delegation’s understanding of Ghana’s mining sector, fostering knowledge exchange and best practices between the two countries. The visit underscores the Minerals Commission’s commitment to international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the mining industry.

The Commission believes that such collaborations will enhance the capacity of African countries in management of their mineral resources effectively.

The Malawian delegation engaged with key Ghanaian stakeholders in the mining sector, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Ghana Geological Survey Authority, The Ghana Chamber of Mines, Environmental Protection Agency and the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners. The delegation also visited the mining sites of Newmont Golden Ridge Limited and Q8 Mining Ventures, both in the Eastern Region.

The delegation, comprising representatives from Malawi’s Ministry of Mining, Mining & Minerals Authority, Ministry of Finance, Malawi EITI (MWEITI), and Palladium’s Traction Program (CSO), expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana and the Minerals Commission in particular for the opportunity to enhance their understanding of Ghana’s mining industry.

Minerals-Commission-Trains-Staff-on-Drone-Piloting-at-Paa-Grant-University-of-Mines-and-Technology-(UMaT)

Minerals Commission Trains Staff on Drone Piloting at Paa Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).

The Minerals Commission organized a 5-day drone piloting training for staff across its offices at the Paa Grant University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa. The initiative is part of the ongoing automation and digitization of the Commission to enhance regulatory control and compliance. The focus of this round of training is to build the capacity of staff on emerging industry trends, cutting-edge technologies and relevant skills required for effective monitoring and efficient regulatory enforcement using drones. The training programme is part of a series of capacity building interventions started in August 2023. The programme was facilitated by a team of experts led by the lead instructor on the Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Head of the Geomatic Engineering Department, Prof. Saviour Mantey of Paa Grant University of Mines and Technology.

The training was structured in phases, beginning with an overview of the models in drone piloting at Burma Camp in Accra, online presentations, in-person lectures, practical field work and written examination held in Tarkwa. A final phase of the programme which is the professional certification and licensing examination on drone piloting will be conducted by Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Accra. This programme aims at equipping staff with relevant knowledge and skills for the Commission to effectively exercise its oversight responsibilities for enhanced sustainability and responsible mining in Ghana.

The trainees are expected to be certified to operate and fly drones for monitoring mining activities across the country. Prof. Mantey said the goal of the training was to equip trainees with both theoretical and practical skills prior to certification by GCAA. He commended management of the Commission for the initiative and lauded participants for their commitment and dedication to the rigorous training. He urged participants to pursue further for the professional GCAA certification with the same enthusiasm. Participants were grateful for the training opportunity and expressed satisfaction with the professionalism of the instructors and the pedagogy. The stakeholders involved commended the Board and management of the Commission for the initiative to curb the menace of illegal mining (galamsey). Participants recommended that drones be provided by management to aid continuous practice for enhance skills and competency in the delivery of their duties.

In conclusion, the drone training exercise was successful and will complement other interventions of the Commission in the fight against illegal mining and sanitize the sector going forward.

Press-Release-on-Recent-Developments-at-Prestea-Bogoso-Mine

Press-Release-on-Recent-Developments-at-Prestea-Bogoso-Mine

It has come to the attention of the Minerals Commission (the “Commission”) that FGR Bogoso Prestea Ltd the operators of the Prestea-Bogoso Mine made a verbal presentation to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (the “Ministry”) to put the Mine under Care and Maintenance. The Prestea-Bogoso Mine is currently under the control of FGR Bogoso Prestea Ltd (FGR) and its principal shareholder Blue International Holdings Limited which is based in the United Kingdom. The Mine was previously operated by Golden Star Resources Limited until the asset was transferred to FGR.For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Ministry nor the Commission has received a formal application or request from FGR to put the Mine under Care and Maintenance. An application to suspend production is clearly set out in section 51 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) which requires the holder of the Mining Lease to serve a notice to that effect on the Minister. As indicated earlier, no such request or application has been submitted to the Minister. In the event that such an application is received, it shall be considered in accordance with applicable Regulations and the current state of the mine and a decision taken in the best interest of the Country.

Press_Release_on_the_Consideration_of_Mining_in_Kakum_National_Park

The attention of the Minerals Commission has been drawn to publications on social media that some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country have vehemently kicked against the attempt by a mining firm to mine in the Kakum National Park in the Central Region.

According to the CSOs, the move follows an application by the High Street

Limited to the Minerals Commission for a license to mine in the Kakum National Park. 

The Commission wishes to inform the CSOs and the public that the application by High Street Limited was rejected and therefore cannot be processed or considered whatsoever.

Consequently, the Commission has deleted the application from the online mining cadastre.

The Commission wishes to assure the public that no mineral right whether for prospecting or mining shall be considered or granted in the Kakum National Park.

Signed.