Excerpt
The Minerals Commission of Ghana serves as the principal regulatory body overseeing the country’s mineral resources. Established under the Minerals Commission Act of 1993 (Act 450), its core mandate includes the regulation and management of mineral resource utilization and the coordination and implementation of mining-related policies.
Historical Background
The Commission was initially established in 1986 under the Minerals Commission Law (PNDCL 154). Following the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution, the Parliament of Ghana enacted the Minerals Commission Act, 1993 (Act 450) to provide continued legal backing to the Commission’s existence, as required by Article 269(1) of the Constitution.
Constitutional Mandates
Under Article 269 of the 1992 Constitution, the Minerals Commission is designated as the main promotional and regulatory body for the minerals sector in Ghana. Its responsibilities encompass the regulation and management of mineral resource utilization and the coordination and implementation of policies related to mining.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The governing body of the Commission is a Board comprising a Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and seven other members, at least two of whom are women. Board members are appointed by the President in accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution. As of the latest available information, the Board is chaired by Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, with Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi serving as the CEO.
The executive management team includes:
- Joseph Kwaku Nayan: Deputy CEO (Support Services)
- Shirley Kyei: Deputy CEO (Policy Planning & Local Content)
- Samuel Yeyu Tika: Deputy CEO (Small Scale & Industrial Minerals)
- Richard Kofi Adjei: Chief Inspector of Mines
- Irene Demanya: Solicitor Secretary
Departments and Units
The Commission comprises several directorates and departments, including:
- Policy Planning & Mineral Titles
- Finance
- Small Scale & Industrial Minerals
- Human Resource & Administration
- Inspectorate Division
- Legal
- Corporate Affairs & IT
- Internal Audit
Appointment and Recruitment
Appointments to the Board are made by the President in accordance with Article 70 of the Constitution. Recruitment within the Commission follows public sector protocols, emphasizing merit-based selection to ensure the engagement of qualified professionals.
Oversight and Affiliations
The Minerals Commission operates under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. It collaborates with various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, mining companies, and international partners, to fulfil its mandate.
Partners and Clients
The Commission works closely with entities such as the Lands Commission, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, Forestry Commission, and the Geological Survey Authority. Its clientele includes mining companies, investors, and the general public.
Operations and Functions
Key functions of the Commission include:
- Formulating recommendations for national policies on mineral resource exploration and exploitation.
- Ensuring compliance with Ghana’s mining and mineral laws through effective monitoring.
- Promoting sustainable extraction of mineral resources.Linking the mining sector with the broader economy.
Historical Reforms
- In 2019, the Commission aligned its objectives with the government’s Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (2018–2021), focusing on sustainable mineral resource extraction and integrating the mining sector with the wider economy.
Additional Information
Ghana is endowed with substantial mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, manganese, and bauxite. Gold remains the predominant mineral, accounting for over 90% of all mineral revenues annually over the past two decades.
References
- https://www.modernghana.com/news/1371263/strengthening-ghanas-mineral-sector-a-guide.html
- https://www.ghanayello.com/company/696/Minerals_Commission
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/minerals-in-ghana/
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/the-board/
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/industry-statistics/
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2019-MINCOM-ANNUAL-REPORT.pdf
- https://miningrepository.mincom.gov.gh/dashboard
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/management/
- https://mincom.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2023-Mincom-Information-Manual.pdf
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/mining-cadestre/
- https://www.mincom.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mineral-and-Mining-Policy-Ghana.pdf
- https://mofep.gov.gh/sites/default/files/reports/economic/ASM%20FRAMEWORK.pdf
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/?pagename=minerals-commission
- https://mlnr.gov.gh/index.php/minerals-commission/
- https://theorg.com/org/minerals-commission-of-ghana
- https://maps.cersgis.org/extractives/minerals_commission.html
- https://www.devex.com/organizations/ghana-minerals-commission-149085
- https://legonconnect.com/minerals-commission/
- https://www.ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Minerals-Commission-Opportunities-in-Ghanas-Mining-Value-Chain.pdf
- https://www.developmentaid.org/donors/view/457413/minerals-commission