Ghana: The Ghana Minerals Commission has launched an online repository for public access. The online repository is a web-based portal, where all data recorded in the Mining Cadastre pertaining to minerals rights and related revenues are published.
This launching of the portal is the first time in the history of Ghana. The portal provides a full-fledged computerized mining cadastral system deployed for the mining sector. According to Dr. Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer for the Commission, the project was under a bilateral agreement with the Australian Government.
“we are excited that what we set out to achieve is turning out positively with the development of a fully-fledged Mining Cadastre Administration System. The system when fully completed will enhance transparency, effectiveness, accountability and compliance in the management of mineral rights”, he noted.
Under this new system, he explained, information relating to existing concessions as well as status of new applications (payments made, concession validity, size, location etc.) can be assessed and tracked online. It is expected that by April 2017, investors can conduct full cartographic searches and apply online for mineral rights.
“The implementation of a Mining Cadastre Administration System in Ghana will help prevent disputes over concession boundaries and significantly reduce human interventions in the mineral rights acquisition and management process. At the same time, it will help improve collaboration and interaction between relevant government institutions, such as the Minerals Commission, Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, among others”, Dr. Aubynn added.
