The Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines exists to ensure the sustainable management and judicious utilisation of the nations Lands, Forestry and Wildlife resources for Socio-economic development and equitable growth of Ghana (Official Mission Statement).

The Mines Section of the MLFM (the former Ministry of Mines) is the principal governmental authority, responsible for the mining sector in Ghana and has the following tasks:

• Advise the Minister, e.g. with regard to governmental policy to mining issues
• Coordinate the activities of the four agencies: MC, MD, GSD, PMMC
• Review of recommended licences prior to approval by the Minister
• Review of important documents and agreements related to the mining sector

The technical work is executed by the Technical Director of Mines and the related staff:

• The assistant to the Technical Director of Mines
• Two secretaries

The tasks of the section are mainly policy making and the preparation of legal documents. The main information flow consists of reports and documents that are submitted by the agencies to the MLFM.

Functions of the Minerals Commission

(as stipulated by Act 450 / The Minerals Commission Act, 1993)

2. (1)

The Commission shall be responsible for the regulation and management of the utilization of the mineral resources of Ghana and the co-ordination of the policies in relation to them.

2. (2)

For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, the Commission shall:

a) formulate recommendations of national policy for exploration and exploitation of mineral resources with special reference to establishing national priorities having due regard to the national economy;

b) advise the Minister on matters relating to minerals;

c) monitor the implementation of laid down government policies on minerals and report on this to the Minister;

d) monitor the operations of all bodies or establishments with responsibility for minerals and report to the Minister;

e) receive and assess public agreements relating to minerals and report to Parliament;

f) secure a firm basis of comprehensive data collection on national mineral resources and the technologies of exploration and exploitation for national decision making; and

g) perform such other functions as the Minister may assign to it.

 »The Minerals Commission

FUNCTIONS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT

The functions of the Survey are:

(a) The systematic mapping, reconnaissance and documentation of the geology of Ghana, including the offshore areas within the territorial boundaries of Ghana.

(b) To carry out geo-scientific research and study of the characteristic of rocks, ores, minerals, fossils and geological processes in Ghana with the view to publishing information both nationally and internationally.

(c) To compile all geo-science data and information, including the geological, geophysical, geochemical, metallurgic, environments and engineering geology, geo-environmental, seismic and geo-hazard data, in the form of public-domain maps and documents to simulate mineral exploration, search for underground water and optimum land use planning for onshore and offshore;

(d) Offshore investigations may include the oceanography of the offshore to the extent that it determines the morphology of the ocean floor, sediment transport and accumulation, marine mineral resources and hydrocarbons;

(e) To carry out continuous monitoring of seismic activity in the country and undertake periodic seismic monitoring of selected sites to determine the safety level to local seismicity;

(f) To collect and keep safe all relevant geo-science data and information on Ghana in a national geo-science knowledge repository. Access to such information shall be subject to any existing laws or rules and regulations laid down by the Survey or any relevant bodies;

(g) To establish and manage a National Borehole-core Repository on behalf of the country. This includes such cores and or rock chippings from governmental or private activities, which are deems representative and relevant by the Survey;

(h) To render geo-science knowledge services and advice to the State and other Government agencies on matters concerning the uses of geo-resources and geo-hazards data including earthquakes, floods, landslides, subsidence erosion and expansive clays as well as acid rains, and land use planning and development;

(i) To coordinate the activities of and collaborate with such local and international bodies as the Survey considers necessary for the purpose of this Act;

(j) To ensure compliance with any laid down geological regulations and procedure in the planning and execution of development projects, including compliance in respect of existing projects.

(k) To undertake such other activities as are necessary or expedient for giving full effect to the provisions of this Law; and

(1) To perform any other functions conferred on it under this Act.

 »Geological Survey Department

Functions of the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation

(as stipulated by Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation Law, 1989 PNDCL)

Objects and functions of the Corporation.

The Objects and functions of the Corporation are-

(a) to grade, assay, value and process precious minerals;

(b) to buy and sell precious minerals;

(c) to perform any functions conferred upon it by the Diamond Decree, 1972 (N.R.C.D.32);

(d) to appoint licensed buying agents for the purchase of precious minerals

produced by small-scale miners;

(e) to promote the development of precious minerals and jewellery industry in Ghana; and

(f) to do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of its objects and functions.

 »Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation